<Anchor> The



quarantine authorities will announce tomorrow (23rd) whether to extend the 4th stage of distance in the metropolitan area. For now, it is likely to be extended. At the same time, as the number of confirmed cases continues to increase in areas other than the metropolitan area, we are considering a plan to collectively raise it to the third stage.



This is Yoo Seung-hyun, medical reporter.



<Reporter>



Today is the 11th day of the 4th stage of social distancing in the metropolitan area.



The number of confirmed cases in the metropolitan area, excluding inflows from abroad, is around 1,000 and is not declining.



This is why, at a meeting of related ministries and experts yesterday, there was a majority of opinions saying, "Let's extend the 4th phase of the metropolitan area by two weeks."



The content of the government announcement tomorrow is also likely to be a 'four-stage extension', but the extension period is not known.



Non-metropolitan areas where the proportion of confirmed cases has risen to 35% is also a problem.



Last weekend, non-metropolitan movement increased by 0.9% compared to the previous week and 5.3% from two weeks ago.



Moving from an area with a high level of distancing to a location with a low level of distancing is creating an actual spread of infection.



The quarantine authorities said, "We are also considering upgrading to stage 3 in non-metropolitan areas."



However, he added, "The wide variation in the number of confirmed cases by region is a point of concern."



In non-metropolitan areas like the metropolitan area, there is also discussion about restricting the number of gatherings in the evening.



[Kim Bu-gyeom/Prime Minister (last 16th): If the number of confirmed cases continues to increase, I would like to make it clear that there is no choice but to limit the number of gatherings after 6 pm even outside the metropolitan area.]



Restrict access to places where people gather

.

Alternatively, the mandatory electronic access list can be extended to non-metropolitan department stores, etc.



Some experts are arguing for stronger measures taken by some European countries.



These measures are equivalent to the ban on business of restaurants and cafes after 6 pm or the curfew at night, but quarantine authorities are not yet reviewing them.



(Video coverage: Jeong Seong-hwa, video editing: Kim Ho-jin, CG: Jeong Hoe-yoon · Kang Kyung-rim)