Health authorities say they plan to continue expanding incentives for the fully vaccinated.

Answering a question during a Friday COVID-19 briefing, Health Ministry official Lee Ki-il said incentives will continue and expand, even after the Chuseok holiday. The official added details have yet to be worked out and they will be announced at a later date. 

Regarding criticism that quarantine rules are complex and difficult, Lee said a review is under way for improvements.

Ministry official Son Young-rae recognized that rules in South Korea are relatively more complicated than other countries because of adjustments made for different hours and places to minimize inconvenience in daily life.

Authorities said they are also open to various options when it comes to purchasing oral drugs to treat COVID-19. An official said Thursday that negotiations with three overseas firms - MSD, Roche and Pfizer - are under way.

Some 16-point-eight billion won has been earmarked to obtain the antiviral drugs this year and over 19 billion won for next year.