Prime Minister Jeong: "Early Strong Response Minimizes Damage... Respond Quickly and Thoroughly"
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is presiding over an emergency meeting with related agencies on the response to the novel coronavirus infection, referred to as "Wuhan pneumonia," on the afternoon of the 24th at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in the Government Seoul Office Building. (Photo by Yonhap News)
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] On the 24th, the government decided to include individuals showing pneumonia symptoms after visiting China in the inspection targets to block the inflow and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, known as 'Wuhan pneumonia.' Additionally, quarantine measures for all entrants from China will be strengthened, and management of suspected patients will be intensified.
On the same day, the government held an emergency meeting on Wuhan pneumonia-related measures at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in the Government Seoul Office, chaired by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, to discuss these measures.
The emergency meeting on the first day of the new year was convened following the occurrence of the second confirmed case. The meeting was attended not only by Prime Minister Chung but also by ministers of related departments and metropolitan city and provincial governors.
First, the government decided that anyone showing symptoms such as pneumonia after visiting any city in China, not only Wuhan City, the epicenter, will be immediately included in surveillance and inspection targets.
Furthermore, quarantine will be strengthened by requiring health questionnaires from all entrants coming from across China, and the list of entrants from China will be shared with medical institutions so they can verify patients' travel history to China.
Suspected patients will be isolated until test results are confirmed, and patient management will be strengthened. Local governments will secure and operate screening clinics to prevent symptomatic individuals from contacting the general public.
Moreover, the government plans to devise a repatriation plan for Korean residents stranded in Wuhan, which has been locked down by Chinese authorities.
Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Since our country is adjacent to China, public concern is very high," and added, "The government must prioritize the safety and protection of the people and respond swiftly and thoroughly." He urged, "Please approach this with the determination that strong initial responses can minimize damage."
He further ordered enhanced management of people with Wuhan pneumonia symptoms, strengthened quarantine at airports and ports, identification and thorough management of contacts of confirmed patients, operation of screening clinics by local governments, and inspection of response situations.
Prime Minister Chung said, "If there is a shortage of personnel or equipment, please promptly prepare reinforcement measures such as additional deployment of quarantine officers," and added, "We must support local health centers and medical institutions so that they can prioritize blocking the novel coronavirus infection."
He also stated, "Public cooperation is very important," and requested, "Please adhere to personal hygiene rules, cooperate with quarantine upon entry, and actively report if symptoms occur. This is how you protect not only yourself but also your family and neighbors."
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