COVID-19
[UPDATE COVID-19] Korea unveils its plan "living with COVID-19"
New rules dubbed "living with Covid-19" came into effect on Monday, November 1st, 2021, in Korea.
The country introduces the "vaccine pass" and a gradual phasing out of coronavirus restrictions through 3 phases at 4 weeks + 2 weeks evaluation intervals.
- Phase one from November 1st if 70% of the population is fully vaccinated (already achieved)
- All facilities, including restaurants, cafes, gyms, movie theaters, karaokes and saunas are able to operate 24 hours a day (except some night entertainment facilities such as clubs authorized until 12 p.m)
- A vaccine pass is necessary to enter high-risk venues such as entertainment facilities, indoor sports facilities or saunas
- Private gatherings are allowed nationwide for up to 10 people regardless of their vaccination status. However, up to four unvaccinated people are allowed inside restaurants and cafes
- Events of less than 100 people are allowed regardless of vaccination (individual measures possible for weddings and expos). Events up to 500 people are allowed only if all attendees have a vaccine pass
- Phase two to begin mid December depending on the sanitary situation and if 80% of the population is fully vaccinated
- Events of less than 100 people are allowed regardless of vaccination. And if all the participants are fully vaccinated, there is no limit to the number of participant at the events
- Private gatherings are allowed nationwide for up to 10 people regardless of their vaccination status. However, up to four unvaccinated people are allowed inside restaurants and cafes
- All facilities with no exceptions will be allowed to operate 24 hours a day
- Phase three to begin in January depending on the sanitary situation
- Private gathering are allowed regardless of the number of people
- If the participants comply with sanitary guidelines, events are allowed regardless of the number of people
N.B: Those who are not subject for vaccine inoculation due to medical reason, or people aged 18 or younger, will be excluded from this system. Mandatory mask wearing indoor and outdoor will remain in place in phase one and two.
- COVID-19 protocols and quarantine measures for international travelers
- Quarantine and monitoring periods are reduced from 14 days to 10 days
- From December 1st, introduction of a quarantine classification system for different countries based on three categories based on risk level in the country:
1) Level 1 countries (safe countries): quarantine exemption when fully vaccinated and no restrictions on visa deliveries. PCR test prior to entry and after entry is still required
2) Level 2 countries (general countries): quarantine in place but lifted from the first semester 2022 when fully vaccinated, some restrictions on visa deliveries
3) Level 3 countries (high-risk countries): quarantine in place indefinitely, restrictions on visa deliveries and air routes
N.B: France would belong to the group of Level 2 countries from December 1st depending on the sanitary situation in France.
