South Korea has begun implementing enhanced Level 2 social distancing to better curb the spread of COVID-19 during upcoming holidays as many people are expected to travel throughout the country.
The strengthened anti-virus measures will be in place from Monday to October 11, during Chuseok , which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, as well as Hangeul Day weekend, from October 9.
Indoor gatherings of 50 or more people are banned and outdoor meetings of 100 or more people are also prohibited.
Sports events are allowed without spectators, while multipurpose facilities, such as public bathhouses and small cram schools, can open if they comply with core virus prevention measures, such as wearing masks and keeping entry logs.
But operations of 11 types of high-risk facilities, including clubs, bars and buffets, in the densely populated Seoul area, are suspended for the two-week period.
Restaurants, cafes and bakeries that have 20 seats or more must maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between tables or come up with other measures like installing sneeze guards between tables.
Meanwhile, theaters and cinemas in the capital region are required to leave middle seats empty, while amusement parks must cut their daily number of admissions.
State-run cultural facilities are closed under Level 2 distancing, however, they will open during the holidays under the condition they offer entry to a limited number of visitors.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
