South Korea Signals “Back to Normal” – Pushing Past Covid Curbs
In a bold move, the Korean government announced on Friday that it will lift operating‑hour restrictions for restaurants and cafes, and roll out a vaccine passport for high‑risk venues like gyms, saunas, bars and nightclubs.
Phase One Starts Monday
Officials say the first phase kicks off on Monday and will roll out over a month. By February, the plan is to have all Covid constraints completely scrubbed away.
Prime Minister Kim Boo‑Kyum’s Message
During a televised meeting, PM Kim declared:
“From Nov. 1 onward, we’ll step back into our everyday life. Yet, we must remember this isn’t the end of the battle, but a fresh start.”
Why This Timing Matters
South Korea still sees a spike in daily case numbers, though far below the most hard‑hit nations. Mortality rates stay low, and a 72% fully vaccinated pop has already reached the 70% target, widening the window for normalcy.
Key Relaxations
- Outdoor sports may host up to 50% of usual attendance; up to 100 people can fill a music venue regardless of vaccination status.
- In movie theaters, vaccinated folks can enjoy popcorn and soda while seated.
- High‑risk places (bars, clubs, indoor gyms, saunas, karaoke) will require either a vaccine certificate or a negative test taken within the last 48 hours.
- Private gatherings up to 10 people stay allowed country‑wide; restaurants and cafés will cap unvaccinated groups at four persons each.
New Tool: A Privacy‑Protected Vaccine App
The government launched a vaccine app backed by blockchain tech, claiming to safeguard user data while making the vaccination status quick to verify.
Focus on Serious Outcomes
Authorities will “shift focus from daily positives to hospitalisations and deaths” and encourage self‑care for mild cases.
Expert Cautions
Medical associations and scientists warn that the timetable might spark a rise in cases. South Korea logged 2,124 new infections on Thursday, bringing total cases to 360,536 and deaths to 2,817.
While never under a full lockdown, South Korea has been succumbing to the fourth wave since July, with strict social‑distancing rules rolled out at that time.
What’s Next?
With the vaccine passport rolling out and fewer restrictions imposed, South Korea is poised to “live with Covid‑19” today, but monitors the situation closely, ensuring no sudden spike ends the progress made.
