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Today (4th), the number of new COVID-19 cases is expected to record 100,000.
From today onwards, more relaxed distancing will be applied.
The government has suggested the possibility of lifting the distance altogether from two weeks later, but there are voices in the field that a stable transition to the daily medical system is a priority.
Correspondent Kim Deok-hyun.
<Reporter> The
number of new confirmed cases, which peaked at 620,000 on the 17th of last month, is on a downward trend.
80,000 fewer than last week and 100,000 fewer than two weeks ago.
Reflecting this situation, the government will further ease the distance from today.
The number of private gatherings will be from 8 to 10 people regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated, and the business hours limit for restaurants and cafes will also be extended by an additional hour until midnight.
[Kwon Deok-cheol / Minister of Health and Welfare (last 1st): It is analyzed that the effect of suppressing the epidemic of distancing has decreased compared to the previous Delta.
Even if social distancing is eased, the number of confirmed cases is expected to increase by only 10-20%...
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The government explains that if the number of severe patients and deaths, which appear 2 to 3 weeks after the peak, is stable, all social distancing except indoor masks can be lifted after 2 weeks.
To this end, above all, a stable transition to the daily healthcare system is key.
Since last week, face-to-face treatment for corona patients at local hospitals and clinics has been expanded one after another.
Experts point out that careful management, such as separation of field lines, is necessary to avoid overloading the medical system.