ⓒYONHAP News

The government on Saturday decided to extend the current social distancing levels for two more weeks to January 17.

Level 2.5 will remain in place for the Seoul metro area and Level 2 will be maintained in other regions.

Special quarantine measures for the holiday season such as restricting gatherings and travel will also be extended.

A ban on personal meetings of five or more people that currently applies only to the capital area has also been expanded nationwide. This includes meals at restaurants.

Department stores, supermarket chains, movie theaters, Internet cafes and theme parks can only operate until 9 p.m. Cafes, regardless of hours, can only do deliveries and takeout. Restaurants must also shift to deliveries and takeout after 9 p.m.