'오후 9시' 인적 끊긴 음식점 거리…배달 오토바이만 '부릉'

The ambiance along many of Seoul streets was entirely different from a usual Sunday night last night, as restaurants, bakeries and bars started restricting their operations until September 6th.
The reason for this is the sharp uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases in the metropolitan region.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
With 2-point-5-level social distancing measures in place across the greater Seoul area,... eateries began restricting operations as of Sunday.
Under the 8-day restriction,... restaurants, bakeries and bars can welcome visitors only until 9 p.m.,... and only takeaway and delivery will be allowed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
More and more restaurant owners are worried about their business.
"There are many small business owners in the neighborhood. We are abiding by the new measures because the situation is very serious."
Restaurant users said they need to accept such inconvenience to flatten the curve.
"Containing the outbreak should come before complaining about my discomfort."
As for franchise coffee chains, only takeout or delivery is permitted regardless of operating hours.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government highlighted that for its 10 million residents, this week should be a week of standstill.
"This is a time to share the pain. Please comply strictly with the determination that you will forgo your daily routines for the next week."
Until September 6th,... all indoor sports facilities will also suspend operations.
City buses will also be cut by 20 percent after 9 p.m.,... and will affect 325 routes.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.