오늘부터 귀성행렬…고속도로 휴게소 포장만 가능
People in South Korea are heading to their family's hometowns for the Chuseok holiday, increasing the risk of COVID-19 spreading among travelers.
For the next six days, special virus prevention guidelines are in place at expressway rest areas.
These measures include a ban on dining at rest areas, so travelers will have to eat in their cars.
Jang Tae-hyun reports.
South Koreans hit the road every Chuseok holiday to visit their families across the country.
This year though, the Transport Ministry predicts that the number of those traveling will decrease by 30 percent on-year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
People who have still decided to travel are choosing to take their own vehicles,... which means that many will be visiting rest areas along the expressway.
To minimize the risk of more COVID-19 infections,... the South Korean government has decided not to waive the expressway toll this holiday and has applied further special virus prevention guidelines from September 29th to October 4th.
Travelers wishing to use the rest area facilities during that period will be required to sign a visitor's log, use a QR code, or call ahead using a virtual number to check in beforehand.
Temperatures will also be checked upon entry.
During the Chuseok holiday, people won't be allowed to dine in at rest area cafes and restaurants,... rather, they should get a take-out and eat in their cars.
The government is advising people to wear face masks when in a car with those who are not family members and to constantly ventilate the air inside the car.
Jang Tae-hyun, Arirang News.
