Prime Minister Jeong Chairs Ministerial Meeting on Novel Coronavirus Response
Continues Cooperation by Delivering Medical Relief Supplies to China via Charter Flight
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering an opening remark at the meeting of ministers in charge of responding to the novel coronavirus infection held at the Government Seoul Office on the 28th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government will send chartered flights over two days, on the 30th and 31st, for Korean nationals residing in Wuhan, China, who wish to return home amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia.'
On the 28th, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presided over a meeting of related ministers on the response to the novel coronavirus infection at the Government Seoul Office on Sejong-daero, Seoul, and announced this plan.
Prime Minister Chung said, "We will take proactive measures such as sending chartered flights on the 30th and 31st," explaining, "The Chinese government has effectively sealed off Wuhan city and its surrounding areas, and isolated nationals have requested support from our government."
He added, "The novel coronavirus infection is rapidly spreading worldwide, and four patients have been confirmed in our country," noting, "The speed of the spread is progressing so quickly that it is a challenging situation."
Accordingly, the government raised the crisis level from caution to alert and increased the response level. Prime Minister Chung explained, "We will prioritize the safety of the people and continue to take preemptive measures," adding, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare has established and is operating the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters to support the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to focus on the field, and local governments will also activate regional disaster safety countermeasure headquarters to undertake a broad response."
He also announced that isolation beds and negative pressure rooms have been significantly expanded in preparation for the spread of infectious diseases. This measure aims to prevent the introduction or spread of the infection while overseas nationals stay in Korea.
Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "It is important that the system functions properly and does not collapse due to mistakes or negligence," and urged, "Once again, I ask for the cooperation of local governments, medical institutions, and the public."
Furthermore, he stated, "The government will continue cooperation by delivering medical relief supplies such as masks and protective clothing to China via chartered flights."
He also announced a firm stance against fake news. Prime Minister Chung said, "As concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus infection grow, fake news such as reports of domestic deaths is rampant," and added, "Related ministries will respond firmly to fake news that causes social confusion and unnecessary fear."
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