The government said it will take into account the possibility of another wave of COVID-19 as well as new variants of COVID-19 overseas when making a decision on whether to further lift social distancing rules.

Second vice health and welfare minister Lee Gi-il relayed the stance as he presided over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on Wednesday.

He said the recent domestic situation regarding COVID-19 infections and the medical response capacity will also be factored into the final decision, set to be announced on Friday.

Last month, the government downgraded COVID-19 to the second highest infectious disease and lifted many social distancing measures.

However, it has retained some requirements, such as seven-day self-quarantine obligations, for a four-week transition period. The period is set to end before Monday with the authorities to determine on Friday whether to extend the period.