Public hearings are set to be held to discuss a transition to a new stage in the country's pandemic response with an aim to gradually normalize daily life.

Park Hyang, a senior health official, said Tuesday that two hearings will take place next month. The government will gather opinions from experts and parties of interest to reflect them in new measures.

In the first session on October 1, three university professors will speak about the timing and objectives of a gradual recovery. Future discussions will include representatives from economic institutes and small businesses.

The government is preparing for the transition as the vaccination rate climbs and COVID-19 fatalities and severe cases are kept under control. Additionally, it is reviewing follow-up measures to current social distancing, which expires on October 3.

Park said distancing for next month will be announced soon and details on easing business restrictions will also be determined during discussions on the transition.