Input 2021.03.12 16:18
According to the quarantine authorities on the 12th, the current social distancing stage and the ban on groups of five or more people, which were scheduled to end on Sunday, will be extended for another two weeks. This is a measure following a series of sporadic group infections in the metropolitan area and daily infections in non-metropolitan areas.
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters has maintained a ban on private gatherings with 5 or more people except for immediate family members and a limit on the number of events. However, exceptions were applied for up to 8 people only when ▲community meetings, first-birth parties, immediate family meetings, and ▲ accompanied by infants under the age of 6 who require constant protection of their guardians.
Excluding infants and toddlers under the age of 6, only 4 people are allowed. For example, it is restricted to gathering 2 infants and 5 adults together. Excluding the number of infants and toddlers, the ban on groups of 5 or more applies.
Accordingly, it is possible to operate first-birthday specialty stores, which have been virtually restricted due to the ban on meetings of five or more people. However, as with weddings and funerals, the number of people in each stage of distancing (less than 100 people in the second stage) and quarantine rules must be followed.
In the case of entertainment facilities, the metropolitan area maintains a limit of operating hours at 10 p.m. The non-metropolitan area has also lifted the operating time limit in consideration of the fact that step 1.5 is being applied and equity with other industries.
In consideration of the high risk of infection in the sleeping area, the government has imposed restrictions on operating the bathing area until 10 p.m. Sauna and steam facilities must be thoroughly followed by additional quarantine rules, such as keeping a distance of at least 1 meter.
Only self-employed people hug
Self-employed people are saddened by this move. This is because the ban on gatherings caused by Corona 19 has caused enormous damage again.
Kim Mo, who runs a pub in Cheonho-dong, Seoul, said, “We are barely paying monthly rent due to the ban on groups of 5 or more people since last year.” “I need this.”
The issue of equity is also pointed out. It is pointed out that only large shopping malls and marts that are crowded with people, and only self-employed people, impose all kinds of regulations. In fact, in various communities, it is easy to find articles pointing out the government’s policy in relation to the crowds gathered at the recently opened Yeouido H department store. Accordingly, the government is controversial by revealing its position that “a department store is difficult to see as a particularly dangerous place.”
The Federation of Small Businessmen expressed regret for the government’s current steps to extend social distancing. In a statement, So Gong-yeon said, “We have longed for the relief of the current distance stage and the economy of small business owners will recover somewhat, but with this extension, we have to go through the tunnel of pain again,” he said. We urge the government and the quarantine authorities to ease restrictions on the number of customers,” he said.
It is pointed out that the government’s social distancing reorganization plan on that day still goes against equity. So Gong-yeon said, “The large distribution facilities such as shopping malls and outlets are crowded with people without any restrictions, but only small business owners are forced to make unconditional sacrifices.” I hope that the purpose of’autonomy and accountability’ will be properly implemented.”
Reporter Kim Yeon-ji [email protected]
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