Yoon Il-kyu: "The Risk of Novel Coronavirus Similar to Influenza... Quarantine Measures Fuel Conflicts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 30th, Yoon Il-kyu, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, claimed that despite the low risk level of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), some citizens are being quarantined, which is actually causing anxiety.

At an emergency health and welfare committee inquiry held at the National Assembly that morning, Rep. Yoon pointed out, "The risk level of the disease is less than 2-3%, similar to the flu," and added, "In such a situation, the quarantine measures are perfect, but (due to the government's quarantine measures) it is causing social conflicts in a completely different direction."

This statement was made in response to the government's decision to quarantine the evacuees from Wuhan city for two weeks in the Jincheon and Asin areas, which sparked opposition from residents of those regions.

Currently, the fatality rate of the novel coronavirus is 3-4%, with most deaths confirmed among elderly people or those with underlying conditions such as diabetes who have weakened immune systems.

He said, "(Quarantine) is accepted differently by the public," and criticized, "There are Japanese, Australian, and American types of quarantine. Japan sent everyone home, the U.S. quarantined in igloos, Australia quarantined on an island, but what is the basis for Korea's approach?" He further criticized, "Why is there discrimination when those who entered Korea from Wuhan on their own are asymptomatic and allowed to go out into society, but those who are transported by government-chartered flights are quarantined?"

In response, Kim Kang-rip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, said, "Because these individuals are being brought under the government's trust, it was judged that stronger protective measures are necessary," and added, "It is not feasible to adopt the methods of the U.S. or Australia due to practical conditions, so we made decisions within what we can implement."

Vice Minister Kim further explained, "Although the disease has the risk level mentioned, since the exact cause and infection analysis have not been completed, we made these measures considering the accompanying anxiety."

Rep. Yoon emphasized, "I understand the government's position, but it is the same people under the same conditions entering Korea, yet their social status has changed," and stressed, "The core issue is that this situation, which is less risky than MERS and only about as severe as the flu, is amplifying further conflicts among the public."