FIRST WEEKEND OF LEVEL 1 DISTANCING RULES

[Anchor Lead]

Yesterday was the first Sunday South Koreans enjoyed since the government lowered social distancing restrictions to the lowest Level 1. Shopping districts and parks were bustling with people. They wore masks and followed other COVID-19 cautions strictly.

[Pkg]

A park in Seoul on the first weekend since social distancing rules were eased to Level 1. Many citizens are cycling while a couple of friends savor a crisp autumn day together playing music while enjoying the breeze. On the lawn, groups of people are gathered, looking relaxed, while keeping masks on.

[Soundbite] LEE JOO-HEE(PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGI-DO PROV.) : "With social distancing lowered to Level 1, I came out with my children for the first time in a long while. It's really good to soak in the sunlight. My children are happy and excited."

On the beautiful autumn weekend, downtown areas were also crowded with more people than usual. Parents take their children out to shop. Pet owners enjoy a walk with their dogs. Most of them are seen wearing masks.

[Soundbite] CHO SU-BIN, LEE EUN-AH(MAPO-GU DISTRICT, SEOUL) : "Now we can come out more freely. It feels far better now."

In front of a church, which resumed in-person services after a long suspension, worshipers are required to take anti-epidemic steps first.

[Soundbite] "O.K., Go ahead."

They must wear masks, undergo temperature screening and validate IDs.

[Soundbite] LEE JU-EOK(ELDER, YOIDO FULL GOSPEL CHURCH) : "At the entrance, worshipers must sanitize their hands, confirm their identities with church membership cards, and get their temperatures checked with a thermal imaging camera. Only then they are allowed to enter the church."

There's bumper to bumper traffic on highways across the nation, as many people travelled to enjoy autumn foliage. Health authorities asked citizens to remain on alert and adhere strictly to quarantine guidelines, warning that eased social distancing doesn't mean reduced transmission risks.