South Korea takes measured step to ease latest Covid-19 surge

Diners outside an eatery in Namdaemun Market in Seoul last month. In response to a record number of daily new Covid-19 cases and the emergence of the Omicron variant, the country introduced just one new restriction: No more than six people can gather, down from 10 currently, in the greater Seoul area. High-risk businesses such as nightclubs and bars will remain open.

SEOUL • With a record number of Covid-19 cases and the emergence of the Omicron variant, South Korea was expected to reinstate strict social distancing measures to stem the latest Covid-19 surge.

But instead, the Prime Minister urged the country’s residents to work from home and not move around too much. He announced only one new restriction: No more than six people can gather, down from 10 currently, in the greater Seoul area. High-risk businesses such as nightclubs and bars will remain open.

The measured step parallels move made by other Asian nations trying to avoid returning to days of lockdowns and containment rules that hampered their economies and frustrated the public, despite the emergence of the Omicron variant.