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Yesterday (18th), the number of new COVID-19 cases fell to 400 in four days. As vaccination accelerates, mass outbreaks appear to have stalled. In the midst of this, the 'relaxed distance' reform plan to be applied from next month will be released tomorrow.



Correspondent Lee Seong-hoon.



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A beach in Changwon, Gyeongnam.



On a sunny day, colorful umbrellas are lined up along the beach.



People who come to cool off from the heat jump into the sea.



Most of them are wearing masks, but some are seen taking their masks off while eating.



As the number of primary vaccine recipients approaches 30% of the total population, the spread of Corona is slowing.



The average number of confirmed cases per day in the last week was 444, a decrease of 80 from a week ago.



The new social distancing reform plan to be applied next month will be announced tomorrow afternoon.



In the new draft of the reorganization of social distancing that was released earlier, the current level of 5 distancing will be reduced to level 4.



It is about easing restrictions on the number of people in private gatherings and minimizing business restrictions.



Based on the average number of confirmed cases per day for the last week, the metropolitan area is at level 2, and most of the non-metropolitan areas are at level 1.



In the second stage, private gatherings of up to 8 people are allowed, and only restaurants, cafes, karaoke rooms, and entertainment facilities are limited to opening hours until midnight.



In the first phase, the limit of the number of private gatherings disappears, and all industries including entertainment facilities can operate without time restrictions.



Before applying the new distance system next month, most of the non-metropolitan local governments started to ease the distance on a trial basis.



Busan and Daegu decided to allow all businesses such as entertainment facilities and karaoke rooms from next week, and Gwangju expanded the number of private gatherings to eight people from yesterday.



Quarantine authorities urged them to follow the basic quarantine rules even if a new, relaxed distancing system is applied next month.



(Video coverage: Jung Chang-wook KNN, Video editing: Park Sun-sun)