What: Department stores and big supermarkets start requiring customers to scan QR codes to shop in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Why is it important: Stores that are bigger than 3,000 square meters are required to adopt a QR entry log system.

The move takes effect in areas across the country where the current social distancing is Level 3 or above. Level 4 social distancing rules are in place in Seoul and the surrounding areas while the rest of the country excluding 36 cities and counties are under Level 3.

Business including restaurants and clubs were already required to scan QR codes or keep handwritten logs to help authorities track down clusters from the early stages of the pandemic last year.

Korean department stores start QR code scans