S. Korea to Extend Social-distancing Rules for 2 Weeks

South Korea decided, on Friday, to extend the tightened social-distancing rules for two more weeks to contain the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced the new measures during a COVID-19 response meeting, noting that it was too early to be sure that the country overcame the pandemic crisis.

Under the tightened social-distancing guideline nationwide, the maximum number of people allowed for private gatherings will remain four for two more weeks until Jan.16, according to the government.

Moreover, restaurants and cafes will be permitted to open until 9:00 p.m. local time, and the business hour of nighttime entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs and bars, will also be restricted to 9:00 p.m.

On the other hand, movie theaters, concert halls, and internet cafes will be allowed to operate until 10:00 p.m.

Those who are not fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter restaurants and cafes alone or use take-out and delivery services.

South Korea reported 4,875 more cases of COVID-19 for the past 24 hours, lifting the total number of infections to 630,838, according to its latest tally.

Moreover, the number of the Omicron variant infections came to 894 so far, including 479 imported cases and 415 domestic transmissions, up 269 from the prior day.