The government has extended the toughest Level Four social distancing scheme in the capital region and Level Three in other areas by another four weeks to October 3. 

It eased some restrictions, however, to accommodate small merchants hit by the pandemic and to account for the increase in vaccinations. 

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced the measures, which will go into effect on Monday, during a COVID-19 response meeting on Friday. 

Under the plan, restaurants and coffee shops in Level Four areas will be able to serve sit-in customers through 10 p.m, reverting back from 9 p.m.

Gatherings of up to six people will be allowed at these venues and at home, provided that two or more people during the day and four or more people after 6 p.m. are fully vaccinated. 

In areas under Level Three distancing rules, up to eight people will be allowed to get together at any multi-use facility and at home as long as four or more people are fully vaccinated. 

Gatherings of up to eight people will be allowed at home from September 17 to 23, which includes the Chuseok holiday, if at least four fully vaccinated people are included.