South Korea to ease curbs on social gatherings

SEOUL • South Korea said that it would lift stringent anti-coronavirus curbs on social gatherings next week, as the country prepares to switch to a “living with Covid-19” strategy amid rising vaccination levels.

A new panel established this week is drawing up a plan for a gradual return to normalcy in the long term, eventually lifting sweeping restrictions and reopening the economy next month on the expectation that 80 per cent of the adult population will be fully vaccinated.

From Monday, the government will allow gatherings of up to four unvaccinated people and ease restrictions on operating hours imposed on venues, such as restaurants, cafes and cinemas, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a Covid-19 response meeting.