SEOUL – South Korea said on Friday (Apr 15) it will drop most COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions next week including a midnight curfew on eateries as the Omicron surge in cases shows signs of waning, although people will still have to wear masks.
From April 18, the midnight curfew on restaurants and other businesses will be scrapped, along with the cap on private gatherings which was set at 10, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a coronavirus response meeting.
The government will also allow rallies and other events with 300 or more people while removing a 70% cap on capacity at religious facilities.
“Wearing masks is still a very important means to protect ourselves,” Kim said. “It is inevitable to maintain the indoor mask mandate for a considerable period of time.”
On wearing masks outdoors, Kim said the government will review whether to lift the existing restriction in two weeks, depending on the virus situation.
As the country seeks a gradual return to normalcy, the government will completely remove the seven-day self-quarantine requirement for COVID patients from late May, according to Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol.
