South Korea eases curbs as it tries to ‘live with Covid-19’
- A vaccine passport will be implemented and restrictions on restaurants and cafes will be eased from November 1, despite high daily coronavirus cases
- Elsewhere, Singapore’s daily Covid-19 count has fallen back to its baseline after a recent surge, as it turns its Formula One venue into a ward for patients
The first phase will go into effect on Monday and last for a month, officials said, with plans calling for all restrictions to be scrapped by February.
“Beginning November 1, our community will take the first step of resuming our normal life,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said at a televised government meeting. “However, we must be aware that this doesn’t mean the fight against coronavirus is over, but a new beginning.”
The push comes as South Korea still grapples with high daily case numbers, though they remain far below many of the worst hit countries, and serious infections and deaths are low.
Last week, South Korea met its goal of vaccinating 70 per cent of its 52 million people, paving the way for the planned return to normal. It has now fully vaccinated about 72 per cent of its people, and given at least one dose to more than 79.8 per cent.
While never under lockdown, South Korea has been battling the fourth wave of infections since July when the government imposed tight gatherings and social distancing restrictions.
Outdoor sports events will be allowed to take up to 50 per cent of spectators and up to 100 people can attend musicals or concerts regardless of vaccination status. Inoculated people will be allowed to consume popcorn and soda inside cinemas. Visits to high-risk venues such as bars and night clubs, indoor gyms, saunas and karaoke bars will require proof of vaccination, or a negative Covid-19 test result from within 48 hours.