▲ Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol
As the quarantine authorities announced that they would lift the social distancing measures when the COVID-19 epidemic situation is stably managed in two weeks, attention is focused on the change in daily life after two weeks.
If social distancing is lifted in the future, you will be able to freely meet at restaurants and cafes, attend performances, events, etc., as before the Corona 19 crisis, but it seems that you will still have to wear a mask indoors.
Sohn Young-rae, head of the social strategy division of the Central Accident Response Headquarters, said at a regular briefing today (1st) about the quarantine rules to be maintained in the future, "A mask is the most easily practiced rule, and it is a very effective means of defense in terms of cost-effectiveness." Until then, we plan to review (whether or not to release it) later."
"We will take a reserved position on masks, but we will focus our discussions on lifting key regulations that aggravate the economic hardship and seriously infringe on people's right to freedom," Son added.
The quarantine authorities are currently restricting the size of private gatherings, business hours of multi-use facilities, and holding large-scale events and assemblies through social distancing.
The authorities are planning to abolish all restrictions on COVID-19 if the number of severe cases of COVID-19 does not surge over the next two weeks and the medical system remains at the current level.
Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol once again emphasized, "Finally, except for indoor masks, all quarantine restrictions on business hours, private gatherings, and large-scale events will be lifted and we will go out with a system close to everyday life."
In the case of wearing an outdoor mask, there is a possibility that it will be released in conjunction with the adjustment of the distance system after two weeks.
The quarantine authorities are currently obliged to wear a mask indoors, but outdoors, wearing a mask is only required if you cannot keep a distance of more than 2m from other people, and fines are imposed if you violate this.
Meanwhile, even if the distancing measures are lifted two weeks later, the duty and period of the '7-day self-quarantine' of the confirmed person will be maintained.
The quarantine duty will not be lifted unless the COVID-19 infectious disease level is downgraded from 'Level 1', the highest level, to 'Level 2' or lower.
Director Sohn said, "In the case of self-quarantine for 7 days, it is the most fundamental management plan for the quarantine system," and "This should be dealt with in a separate discussion."
(Photo = Yonhap News)