<Anchor> It
is expected that the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases will be around 1,300 today (10th). It could break past all-time highs again. The government has decided to raise the level of social distancing in the metropolitan area from next Monday to level 4, the highest level, considering that the 4th pandemic is likely to spread nationwide.
First news, reporter Jang Se-man.
<Reporter> The
standard for the 4th stage of distancing is at least 2,000 across the country and at least 1,000 in the metropolitan area.
This is the highest level of quarantine under the city blockade, that is, the domestic distancing system that does not lock down.
[Kwon Deok-cheol/Minister of Welfare: (Step 4 to keep distance) is the most powerful step. This is the stage to reduce contact between people, such as gatherings, and to request that you stay at home unless it is essential.] From
next Monday, when the 4th stage of the metropolitan area is applied, up to 4 people can gather during the day, but from 6pm onwards Meetings are limited to 2 people only.
Restaurants and cafes are only available for take-out and delivery after 10 p.m.
All large-scale events are prohibited, and only one-person demonstrations are permitted.
Sports events will be held without spectators.
Even during the holiday season, only two-thirds of all guest rooms can be operated.
In some cases, quarantine rules have become stricter than Level 4.
Entertainment pubs and collabs can be open until 10 pm in the original 4th stage, but we have decided to extend the ban on gatherings as it is now for two more weeks.
It is estimated that there are 770,000 facilities subject to a gathering ban or operating hours restrictions as a result of this measure.
The loss at these facilities is expected to be compensated in three to four months in accordance with the Loss Compensation Act enacted this month.
In addition, the government has recommended staggered commuting to work, a staggered lunch break system, and the application of 30% telecommuting to businesses.