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As coronavirus cases slow, South Korea extends social distancing policy but relaxes rules
- South Korea reported just eight new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, its lowest rise in two months
- Churches and sports fixtures will face fewer restrictions if they comply with disinfection guidelines, as authorities try to find a ‘middle ground’
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South Korea extended its social distancing policy for another 16 days on Sunday but offered some relief for churches and sporting fixtures, as it reported just eight new coronavirus infections, the lowest in two months.
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The slightly relaxed guidelines mean high-risk venues like churches will face fewer restrictions, while sports matches such as the popular Korea Baseball Organisation (KBO) League can resume without an audience.
“It is safest to maintain the intensive social distancing, but it isn’t easy realistically. We need to find a middle ground,” Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a televised meeting of government officials.
“If we can maintain a stable management at the current level, we will shift to ‘routine social distancing’ from May 6,” Chung said.
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Health authorities have said this would allow a reopening of the economy, while maintaining guidelines on disinfection and preventing the spread of the virus in people’s daily lives.
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