South Korea is moving forward in its efforts to live with COVID-19, with the nation lifting operating-hour curbs on restaurants and cafes and implement its first vaccine passport for high-risk venues such as gyms, saunas and bars.

Officials say the first phase will go into effect on Monday and last for one month – with the country revealing plans to end all restrictions by February.

The announcement comes as South Korea grapples with high daily case numbers, though they remain far below many of the worst hit countries, and serious infections and deaths are low.

As of last week, the country reached its vaccination target of 70 percent – meaning 52 million people are so far fully inoculated

While the country has never been under lockdown, restrictions imposed have been tough. The country has been battling the fourth wave of infections since July when the government imposed tight gatherings and social distancing restrictions.

Visits to high-risk venues such as bars and night clubs, indoor gyms, saunas and karaoke bars will require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result from within 48 hours.