South Korea has started to ease restrictions on business activities outside the capital, Seoul, allowing them to remain open for one additional hour. This decision comes amidst strong public backlash against the strict measures aimed at containing the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated that small business owners and self-employed individuals have reached their breaking point under these restrictions. He added that stores located outside the capital would be allowed to stay open until 10 PM. Chung clarified that the 9 PM closing restrictions remain in place in the Seoul metropolitan area, which accounts for over 70% of total infections and continues to face the risk of coronavirus transmission.
