The South Korean government will ease social distancing regulations starting Friday for additional indoor sports facilities that had been ordered to temporarily shut down amid enhanced quarantine.

According to Health Ministry spokesperson Son Young-rae on Thursday, the eased rules will apply to facilities that accommodate children and students for instructional purposes.

The facilities will be allowed to operate, though entry is limited to less than nine people at a time.

The government faced backlash after lifting shutdown orders under the same restrictions for some seasonal and indoor sports facilities under extended Level Two-point-Five and Level Two distancing for the capital region and elsewhere, respectively.

Winter sports venues like ski resorts and taekwondo and ballet academies registered as private institutes were allowed to operate, prompting owners of indoor gyms in the capital area to lodge a protest.

The spokesperson said the government plans to adjust rules for multi-purpose facilities, such as karaoke rooms, amid a prolonged distancing period.