Seoul Increases Restrictions to Slow Spread of Coronavirus

GIKorea | November 24, 2020 | Seoul | 2 Comments

Here we go again with tougher restrictions on gatherings and businesses in Seoul:

The streets of Myeong-dong, the usually bustling shopping district in central Seoul, are nearly empty Monday morning as the greater capital area geared up for Level 2 social distancing measures taking effect Tuesday. [YONHAP]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Monday it was instituting its own emergency measures to curtail an alarming spread of Covid-19 in recent weeks, including cutting back on late-night public transportation.

To enforce the central government’s Level 2 social distancing recommendation across the greater Seoul area announced a day earlier, the capital city will be cutting down on the bus and train services after 10 p.m. by 20 percent, said Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jung-hyup in an online briefing.

The measures will be enforced on buses starting Tuesday, while subway operation hours will be reduced starting Friday after public announcements are made.

All public rallies of 10 or more people will be banned starting Tuesday midnight until further notice, the city announced.

“Due to the high chain infection risks posed by Seoul’s endemic high population density and heavy foot traffic, we have resolved to put in place pre-emptive measures comparable to Level 3 social distancing,” Seo said.

Should these measures fail to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the near term, the city plans to stop subways at 11 p.m. Subway times were shortened in April, to midnight from 1 a.m.

Seoul officials said they plan special measures to ensure the safety of the upcoming national university entrance exam, which takes place on Dec. 3.
Seo urged churches and other religious institutions across the city to carry services online and prevent large gatherings. That recommendation was a step up from Level 2 social distancing measures, which require reducing the number of people at services by 20 percent.

At Level 2 social distancing — the third highest level of the government’s five-tier system — any event involving 100 people or more will be prohibited, while nightclubs and bars that allow dancing will be forced to shut down. Restaurants won’t be allowed to serve customers after 9 p.m., but takeout will be allowed. Cafes can operate normal hours but only serve takeout.
Joong Ang Ilbo

You can read more at the link, but I feel bad for the small business owners trying to deal with the ever changing restrictions. This pandemic is going to wipeout so many of them by the time it is over.