Following a spike in coronavirus cases and deaths, South Korean President Moon Jae-in apologised to the public on Thursday for restoring strict social distancing rules. According to sources, Moon offered the apology soon after the government announced additional restrictions to limit private gatherings to four people and reinstate a 9 p.m. curfew on restaurant and cafe operation hours.
Moon's spokesperson, Park Kyung-mee, said, "I am sorry that we have had to tighten antiviral measures once again." "We failed to suppress the growth of severely ill patients throughout the course of the phased return to normal," he added, according to Park. "We also failed to prepare adequately, notably in terms of procuring hospital beds."
The President committed to keep the situation under control as much as possible during the virus-control period, which runs from Saturday to January 2, 2022. He promised a quick decision on financial compensation for small business owners and self-employed workers, who are expected to be the hardest hurt by the tariffs.
The use of restaurants and cafes will be limited to up to four vaccinated people per visit under the new rules. Those who have not been vaccinated can use the facilities on their own or order take-out or delivery.
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