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People wait in line to get tested for COVID-19 at a temporary screening center in Seoul on Friday. (Yonhap News)

South Korea decided to extend its current Level 4 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area for another two weeks from Aug. 23 to Sept. 5, under the calculation that South Korea’s current medical system can’t handle a daily COVID-19 caseload above 2,500, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH).

The mandatory closing time for restaurants and cafes, which was previously extended from 9 pm to 10 pm, is to be brought back to 9 pm. Convenience stores that offer seating for their customers also won’t be allowed to let customers consume food or beverages there.

A ban on gatherings of three or more people after 6 pm is to remain in place, but up to four people can gather if two are fully vaccinated.

The government also announced plans to administer COVID-19 testing once every two weeks for employees of businesses and facilities that attract heavy foot traffic, such as fitness centers and wedding venues.

The CDSCH said that the extension reflects the opinion that extending the current distancing measures will let South Korea’s vaccination campaign do its work in bringing the daily caseload down.

“[We] decided to extend the current distancing measures for another two weeks ahead of the Chuseok holiday, and additional steps will depend on the situation afterward,” the CDSCH said.

By Seo Hye-mi, staff reporter

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