S. Korea bans worship services in Seoul metro area

Aug 19, 2020, 09:30 am

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Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announces strengthened quarantine measures on Aug. 18, 2020 amid spiking COVID-19 cases in Seoul and the broader capital area./ Source: Yonhap News

AsiaToday reporter Lee Jang-won

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged the public in a public statement Tuesday to actively cooperate with the nation’s strengthened social distancing campaign amid an explosive resurgence of COVID-19 in the greater Seoul area. The government has decided to expand Level 2 social distancing rules already in place in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province to the port city of Incheon, and ban all in-person gatherings and activities at churches in the region, starting Wednesday.

The announcement came after the prime minister called an emergency meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at the Government Complex Seoul early Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen quarantine measures amid the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the greater capital area.

“The country is at a crucial juncture in stopping virus transmissions from spiraling into a nationwide pandemic,” the prime minister said. “The government has decided to further strengthen social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area to rapidly block the spread of infection.”

Under the Level Two social distancing, indoor gatherings of 50 or more people and outdoor events of 100 or more people are prohibited. Nightclubs, karaoke rooms, buffet restaurants, computer gaming cafes and other “high-risk” venues will be shut.

“With regard to churches in the greater capital area, only noncontact services will be allowed and all other gatherings and activities will be prohibited,” Chung said. Then he asked for a “greater understanding” of church people. Regarding Sarang Jeil Church, which has been at the center of a growing cluster of cases in the capital, Chung said its membership list was inaccurate and that there are difficulties in tracking down each church member and visitor. He called on those that participated in massive rallies on Saturday in central Seoul to swiftly get tested at the nearest screening clinic regardless of symptoms.

“If the ongoing anti-virus efforts fail, we have no choice but to toughen social distancing to Level Three, which will have a major impact on our economy and people’s livelihood,” he said. “The government and the people must work together to prevent this to happen.”

The prime minister also advised citizens to stay at home except on necessary occasions and called relevant ministries and local governments for detailed guidelines for the implementation of strengthened quarantine measures.

“If the latest safety line collapses, we have no more options,” he said. “Please remember that the strengthened social distancing is the last option to protect your daily life and your beloved family.”

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