Earlier today, on Friday, July 9, the Korean Government has announced its decision to impose Level 4 social distancing regulations in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon and areas. Arising from growing concerns regarding the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new regulations will start from Monday, July 12, and are expected to be reviewed after two weeks.

Level 4 distancing scheme in greater Seoul area (7.12~7.25)

– Gatherings of more than two people will be banned after 6 p.m

– Rallies and other events are banned

– Entertainment establishments, including night clubs, will be ordered to shut down, while restaurants will be allowed to have dine-in customers until 10 p.m.

– Weddings and funerals can only be joined by relatives

– People are advised to stay and work at home

The government also decided to suspend incentive programs, such as outdoor no-mask rules and exclusion from headcounts in private gatherings, for those who have received COVID-19 vaccine shots.

The official press release (Korean) from Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea can be accessed here. Read more about the news on local media (English) here.

A rough guide to the four-level social distancing scheme can be found below (Source).

Due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in South Korea, the Chamber has decided to move our upcoming meetings and events to fully online. Additionally, the Secretariat team will be working remotely on a rotation basis until the situation improves.

We would like to thank our members for their ongoing support and engagement during these turbulent times. Our team looks forward to catching up with many of you offline once COVID case numbers go down and social distancing restrictions ease.

If you or your company would like to get in touch and discuss virtual engagement opportunities, such as webinars and marketing promotions, available to our members, please be sure to reach out to our Project Manager, Kate Kalinova, on info@austchamkorea.org