The government explained that the 2.5-step quarantine measures for'social distancing', which restricted in-store meals at restaurants in the metropolitan area after 9 PM, also apply to some convenience stores that cook and sell food.



The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (middle script) answered the question as to whether the quarantine guidelines, which prohibit eating in stores in metropolitan restaurants from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am the following day, apply to convenience stores.



Tae-ho Yoon, head of the Central Accident Control Headquarters, said at a briefing at the Sejong Government Complex on the 1st. "In the case of large convenience stores, there is a corner where food is prepared and sold, and it is reported as a'restaurant'." Only packaging and delivery are allowed after 9pm, and food cannot be eaten inside the convenience store.”



The government imposed such restrictions on businesses classified as'regular restaurants' and'restaurants' in the metropolitan area from the 30th of last month to the 6th of this month.Some convenience stores reported as'restaurants' also enforce the same regulations as restaurants. Is to receive.



However, the script explained that the cookware itself, such as a microwave oven, can be used even after 9 PM.



"There is a very difficult aspect to limiting the act of pouring water into cup noodles or distributing food in the microwave," said Yoon Tae-ho, general manager of quarantine. "This case is not interpreted as a rest restaurant even in the current laws."



He added, "Even after 9pm, cooking and other activities are possible, but we ask that you refrain from eating in a convenience store as much as possible."



Earlier, the convenience store industry such as GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and E-Mart 24 advised store owners not to operate eating spaces in stores in the metropolitan area until the 6th of next month.



On the 1st, the city of Seoul announced that it will inspect on-site for eating at convenience stores or outdoor tables in violation of the quarantine guidelines after 9 pm.



(Photo = Yonhap News)