사회적 거리두기 2.5단계…강남역 먹자골목 '썰렁'<br /><br /> And in efforts to halt a second wave of novel coronavirus infections, South Korea has put in place tighter social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area.<br />It's taken the unprecedented step of restricting the operation of restaurants, coffee shops and so-called cram schools in this region for eight days starting Sunday.<br />Our Jang Tae-hyun is out in Gangnam, one of the most bustling areas in the nation's capital.<br />Tae-hyun, where you are - the main street of Gangnam Station - we all know it's almost always packed with people at this time of the day as that area is known for its restaurants, cafes, and nightlife in Seoul. <br />It definitely looks much slower and quieter. <br /> Good evening, Connyoung. I'm standing nearby Gangnam Station.<br />At this time of day there should be tons of people walking by,... but as you can see, it is relatively quiet now. <br /> This comes after the South Korean government applied stricter social distancing rules so life can return to normal sooner rather than later.<br />People are prohibited from dining in at franchise cafes, nor can they use the restrooms and their only option is to get a take-out or delivery.<br /> As a result, one coffee chain official said their sales in the capital area plunged by 30 percent compared to the previous week. <br />The strengthened regulations have affected customers as well. <br />Take a listen. <br />"I like studying at cafes, but I can still do that at home. It's not like we can't have coffee... so, people can get take-out and drink it at home."<br />So, Tae-hyun,...how are the businesses there responding to the situation?<br /> Well, they are having to think of other ways to reach customers.<br />I met a cafe owner this afternoon and she said that since private educational academies are closed and people are not socializing in the area, it's hard for her to draw in customers. <br /> She added... sales were already dropping due to the pandemic but the stricter guidelines have had an even greater impact.<br />This has forced her to find alternative methods such as offering delivery services.<br />Let's take a listen.<br />"Sales have plunged by 55 percent and that is why we started offering delivery. Since then sales went up by 15 percent." <br /> One of the nation's leading delivery apps announced Monday that it will help business owners by waiving the three-percent credit card commission fees until the end of the year. <br /> I've asked some small business owners if that would help, and they said they are grateful for this consideration. <br />That's all I have for today.<br />Back to you, Connyoung. <br /> Jang Tae-hyun from the main street of Gangnam Station in southern Seoul. Thanks, Taehyun<br />
