수도권 거리두기 2.5단계 격상... 달라지는 점은?<br /><br />The greater Seoul area is now subject to level 2-point-5 social distancing the second highest level in the country.<br />Under the measures, which came into force at the stroke of midnight, tens of thousands of establishments must close until further notice.<br />The operation of many others will be sharply restricted.<br />Our Choi Won-jong hit the streets of Gangnam to hear directly from Seoulites affected by the changes.<br />Starting Tuesday, tougher social distancing measures are in place in the Greater Seoul area for three weeks.<br />After a surge in COVID-19 cases in the capital area, the South Korean government has implemented the second-highest social distancing measures... disappointing news for gym users.<br />Usually around 180 people exercise at this gym each day, but starting Tuesday it is going to be empty for three weeks.<br />The owner says he is worried about losing even more customers once it reopens.<br />"The main problem is that gym users need to exercise for at least three weeks to have a routine. But with the government issuing restrictions almost every three weeks, customers are losing the desire to work out, which has made it hard for us to run this business."<br />This is not the only place impacted by the new measures.<br />Singing rooms and bars were allowed to open until 9 PM, but now they are completely closed for three weeks.<br />And 9PM closing times are applied to movie theaters, PC rooms, hair salons and department stores.<br />Weddings and funerals are limited to 50 people, and religious facilities like churches can hold services only virtually.<br />The existing restrictions remain under level 2-point-5 for coffee shops and restaurants meaning take-out only for cafes and delivery services for restaurants after 9 PM.<br />Despite many places being shut again, one person thinks these tougher measures are necessary.<br />"I think the stricter social distancing measures are a good idea because we've seen a rising number of cases since Halloween in October. I think it's better to have restrictions in place... now that we're approaching the holidays."<br />In the meantime, health authorities have sent a warning that there is only one higher level left ...if cases don't slow down under 2-point-5 distancing measures.<br />Choi Won-jong, Arirang News.<br />
