LEVEL 2 DISTANCING MEASURES CONTINUES

[Anchor Lead]

The government has decided to keep Level 2 social distancing measures in place for regions outside of the Seoul metropolitan area through September 27 before the special quarantine period begins ahead of Chuseok. Although the number of COVID cases is subsiding lately, it's still too early to let the guard down.

[Pkg]

On August 27th, the number of daily COVID-19 cases outside of the Seoul metropolitan area peaked to 121. Recently, it fell to fewer than 20. The situation is gradually coming under control, but the government says it's still too early to let our guards down. New cluster infections and cases of an unknown origin remain. The situation could worsen again after the Chuseok holiday.

[Soundbite] CHUNG SYE-KYUN(PRIME MINISTER) : "With just one week ahead of the Chuseok holiday period, Level 2 social distancing measures should remain in place in all regions."

Level 2 social distancing measures have been extended in the Seoul metropolitan area through September 27. The same measures now apply to regions outside of the capital and its surrounding areas. Bans on indoor gatherings of more than 50 people and outdoor events of more than 100 people remain in place nationwide. Public facilities including museums and libraries remain closed. Professional sporting events like baseball and soccer are held without fans. Eleven kinds of high-risk facilities such as bars and clubs are still closed. However, restrictions could be adjusted by local governments if necessary.

[Soundbite] YOON TAE-HO(CENTRAL DISASTERS MANAGEMENT HEADQUARTERS) : "The situation in each region is different. Local governments should be able to respond flexibly according to the situations in their area."

Some local governments including Chungcheongbuk-do Province and Gwangju City decided to ease restrictions for bars and singing rooms. Level 2 social distancing measures will remain in place through September 27, but a special quarantine period will begin on September 28 and will last through October 11. The government plans to tighten restrictions during this period to curb the spread of the virus and prevent a new outbreak in the fall season.