South Korea lifted the maximum COVID-19 limitations on Monday, as infections due to the Omicron variant decline and daily infections drop to a more than the two-month low of fewer than 50,000.

The ease in restrictions came as the number of coronavirus cases in South Korea plummeted to 47,743 on Monday, the lowest level since February 9, after peaking at over 620,000 per day in mid-March. Midnight curfew on restaurants, other businesses and gatherings were removed. However, certain precautionary measures such as masks were still required. Quarantine for unvaccinated inbound travellers and negative PCR testing for those who have been fully vaccinated will continue to be enforced.

According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency data, 87% of the 52 million population were completely vaccinated with 64% receiving the booster dose. The extensive vaccination has helped South Korea to manage and limit deaths and serious cases. 

Several companies were gradually returning to their offices. The government recommended workplaces with 300 or more employees, adopt flexible working hours and allow 10% of staff to work from home. (Reuters, April 18, 2022)