1. South Korea will lower the infectious disease level of COVID-19 to the lowest Level 4, the same as the influenza. The measure takes effect on August 31st. Following the transition, the rapid antigen test and PCR tests conducted at doctor’s offices will become paid services.
2. A revision of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act which eases restrictions on the gifts prices that can be provided to public officials will be enforced starting Wednesday. According to the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission on Tuesday, the price ceiling for the law will be raised to 300-thousand won, or roughly 227 U.S. dollars, from 200-thousand won.
3. According to Russian state news agency TASS on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to visit China in October, in time for the Belt and Road Forum. This would mark the first time Putin leaves Russia since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest on alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
