Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol on June 20 announces at Government Complex-Seoul the new levels of social distancing starting next month. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

From July 1, private gatherings of up to six people are allowed in the Seoul metropolitan region and all other areas in the country will have no such limit.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital region can operate until midnight, and indoor gym facilities will have no restrictions on operations.

The rest of the country will have no restrictions on operating hours.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on June 20 announced these measures as part of revised social distancing rules to take effect next month. 

The government's social distancing system has been simplified from five levels to four. 

Level 1 means no restrictions on a facility's operating hours or the number of people at a private gathering, but patrons must observe basic safety rules like wearing masks when indoors and inputting their QR codes for contact tracing. The seating capacity at an outdoor sports stadium is capped at 70% and 50% for an indoor one.

Level 2 limits the number of people at a multipurpose indoor facility at one time. Up to eight people are allowed at a private gathering and entertainment facilities, noraebang (karaoke rooms), restaurants and cafes can run until midnight. The seating capacity limit is 50% for an outdoor sports stadium and 30% for an indoor one.

Level 3 caps the number of people at a private gathering to four. Entertainment facilities, noraebang, restaurants and cafes can stay open until 10 p.m. The seating capacity limit for an outdoor sports stadium is 50% and 30% for an indoor one.

 
Level 4 allows up to six people at a private gathering until 6 p.m., after the cap is two. Entertainment facilities, noraebang, restaurants and cafes can operate until 10 p.m. Night clubs and gamseongjujeom or hunting pocha (bars catering to singles looking for dates) must be closed under this level, and all sporting events must be held with no spectators.

From July 1, the Seoul metropolitan region will be designated Level 2 and other areas of the nation Level 1.

A maximum of eight people may gather in a group under Level 2. The limit, however, will be six from July 1-14 in a transitional phase.

From July 15, a maximum of eight people may convene in a group as long as the number of COVID-19 infections in the Greater Seoul area stays at 500 or under.

jihlee08@korea.kr