SEOUL, 04 Jan. (Yonhap) – Social distancing measures have been extended for two weeks from today after they were put in place last month in a bid to stem a new wave of infections with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19 ) in the country, health authorities said on Monday.
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Level 2.5 social distancing rules, the second highest level in the five-level system, will therefore remain valid for the Seoul area until January 17, and level 2 rules for the rest of the country.
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The ban on private meetings of five or more people that applied only to greater Seoul has also been extended to the rest of the country as of today.
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However, exceptions are granted to family members living at the same address, to people in need of care and to families with a dying loved one.
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For weddings and funerals, the number of people allowed to assemble is less than 50 for the Seoul metropolitan area and 100 for the rest of the country.
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With this generalization, no restaurant in the country can accept reservations for five or more people and only take-out and delivery services are possible from 9 p.m.
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Nightlife entertainment venues, such as nightclubs and night bars, remain closed, as do door-to-door venues, karaoke rooms, and gyms. Hotels can accommodate guests up to two-thirds of their capacity.
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Religious establishments across the country must conduct their services only online, and all group meetings and meals are prohibited.
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The government, however, relaxed restrictions on ski resorts and private institutes.
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Ski resorts and other winter sports facilities that closed on December 23 can reopen their doors, but only until 9 p.m., and accommodate customers up to a third of their capacity.
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The private institutes are for their part authorized to offer again courses on condition of limiting the number of pupils present at the same time to nine and to respect the sanitary measures.
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