South Korea will further relax social distancing rules starting on May 6, allowing a phased reopening of businesses, as the nation has largely managed to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Sunday (May 3). 

The government "will allow businesses to resume at facilities in phases that had remained closed up until now, and also allow gatherings and events to take place assuming they follow disinfection guidelines," he told a televised meeting of government officials.

Scores of events - from K-pop concerts to sports seasons - had been delayed or cancelled, while museums and galleries were closed and religious services suspended.

The easing of measures comes as the country continues to record low numbers of COVID-19 infections. 

South Korea appears to have brought its outbreak under control thanks to an extensive "trace, test and treat" programme.

Its reported death toll is 250 - vastly lower than that of Italy, Britain, Spain and France, which have each recorded at least 24,000 fatalities.

"South Korea will implement the everyday life quarantine scheme starting Wednesday," Chung said during a government meeting.

On Sunday, the country reported 13 new cases, bringing the national tally to 10,793, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). 

Ten of the new cases were imported. 

On Thursday, South Korea had no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since its Feb 29 peak. 

However, imported cases still remain a threat, said Yonhap news agency. 

Under the new quarantine scheme starting on Wednesday, schools and workplaces can return to normal routines, but under basic guidelines. The government is also set to announce this week the dates for students to return to school, which is expected to be some time around mid-May, according to Yonhap news agency.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/south-korea-to-relax-covid-19-social-distancing-rules-further-12697852