CONCERNS are mounting in South Korea over the government's "Living with Covid-19" plans for possible discrimination against unvaccinated people.
With the plan due to take effect on Nov 1 and the so-called "vaccine pass" being introduced, it would restrict those not vaccinated to some multiuse facilities such as gyms.
The Korea Times reports that a government-led committee announced that the vaccine pass policy would require people to present vaccination certificates or if unvaccinated, negative PCR test results to enter entertainment establishments, indoor sports facilities, public baths and casinos.
The government said it was aimed at supporting a return to normal life and protecting unvaccinated people, but the announcement has brought concerns that the policy could cause discrimination.
However, the negative test result is valid for only two days, meaning that an unvaccinated person may need to be tested three times a week.
Amid the growing controversy on the issue, the government said it will exclude young children under the age of 11 and adolescents under the age of 18 from the vaccine pass policy.
Those who are unable to get vaccinated due to health problems will also be excluded from the policy.
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said the government was aware of growing concerns over the vaccine pass policy and that it will listen to various opinions and operate a balanced policy.
Authorities have also said that the "Living with Covid-19" measures were aimed at easing social distancing measures and focuses more on managing critically ill patients rather than all infections.
The government's decision to implement such measures was backed by the rising rate of vaccinations.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, almost 71 per cent of the entire population have been fully vaccinated as of Monday.
Meanwhile, the Times reports that regional airports in South Korea will resume international flights starting next month.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, it will gradually ease restrictions on international flights, which were imposed in April last year.
It said international flight services will resume on a regular basis next month for fully vaccinated people and those with a quarantine exemption certificate.
International flights will be available for foreign and South Korean nationals abroad who have been fully vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen, two weeks prior to entry to the country.
The international flight services will resume at the end of November at Gimhae International Airport first, offering two routes to Saipan and one to Guam.
The flights to Saipan and Guam, which are popular winter vacation destinations in South Korea, is to meet the increasing demand for international travel, following the launch of travel bubble agreements with those destinations.
The report said that by December, when herd immunity is expected to be achieved, international flights departing from international airports in Daegu, Cheongju and Muan will also be expanded gradually, after three to five test flights.
By the Lunar New Year holiday next year, international operations at the airports of Gimpo, Jeju and Yangyang will also be increased, considering the demand for overseas travel and the management of customs, immigration and quarantine.