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South Korea will lift most COVID-19 restrictions next week as omicron cases wane
The Arab News reported, 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.
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a coronavirus response meeting that 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.
The government will also allow rallies and other events with 300 or more people, while removing a 70 percent 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-19 patients from late May, according to Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol.
South Korea sees deadliest day of COVID-19 deaths as Omicron looms
The number of coronavirus cases in the country appears to have passed its peak after hovering over 620,000 a day in mid-March, with the daily infections falling to below 130,000 on Friday.
South Korea has largely managed to limit deaths and critical cases through widespread vaccinations, and scaled back its once-aggressive tracing and containment efforts.
According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency data, nearly 87 percent of the country’s 52 million population are fully vaccinated, with 64 percent having also received booster shots.
WHO: Number of confirmed COVID cases worldwide surpasses 500 million
On Wednesday, the government announced its plan to expand the rollout of second COVID-19 booster shot for people over 60.
Source: arabnews
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