[Anchor]
South Korea is gearing up to impose tougher social distancing measures in the greater Seoul area as it fights to contain growing coronavirus clusters in the region.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo announced during a press conference on Friday that starting from Sunday, franchise coffee shops will only be allowed to offer takeout or delivery services, while eateries will be forced to close early.
Government officials have described it as the last stand before the country is left with no choice but to enforce the highest Level 3 distancing, including lockdown steps.
Ron Chang has more.
[Reporter]
The so-called Level 2.5 social distancing measures come as current efforts don't seem to be doing enough to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Health Minister Park said the stricter rules means coffee chain store customers will have to sign a logbook, wear masks and maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others when they get their coffee to-go.
As for restaurants, customers will not be allowed to dine-in after 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., and only deliveries and takeout will be available during this period.
These measures are part of efforts to block the virus from spreading further in Seoul and the surrounding areas as well as across the country.
Earlier, the government extended distancing measures in the capital region for another week, while Seoul city extended its ban on gatherings of more than 10 people by two weeks.
Minister Park also said gatherings will be banned at indoor sports facilities such as gyms, pool halls and driving ranges.
Additionally, all academies in the Seoul metro area will have to go online for the next week, while study rooms and cafes will be virtually shut down.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
