Prime Minister Jeong: "Well Managed COVID-19 Builds Trust... Will Boost Consumption and Stabilize Livelihoods"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 14th, "There was great anxiety at the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, but we have come to believe that it is being well managed within our advanced medical technology and the government's quarantine network."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong that morning, Prime Minister Chung stated, "The number of domestic patients who have fully recovered and been discharged continues to increase, and most of those still in hospital are being managed stably."

He emphasized, "Taking care of the people's safety as well as their livelihoods is the nation's mission. The government is doing its best to protect the safety of the people and will actively work to increase consumption and stabilize livelihoods."

He also urged, "I hope the public trusts the government, refers to safety guidelines, maintains their daily lives, and that companies actively engage in their planned economic activities."

Prime Minister Chung continued, "Confirmed cases continue to occur in China, and with the end of the Lunar New Year holiday, a large-scale movement of Chinese students and workers is expected. The government will remain vigilant, thoroughly inspect risk factors, and prepare countermeasures."

He added, "We will discuss and review measures regarding the management of students, workplace quarantine, and the discharge of W?h?n evacuees."

He further stated, "During the COVID-19 response process, we must be cautious not to allow discrimination or hatred to spread in our society. It is important to remember that the World Health Organization (WHO) did not include geographic locations in the disease name to prevent the 'stigma effect.'"

Regarding the planned discharge of W?h?n evacuees currently under temporary quarantine in Asan, Chungnam Province, and Jincheon, Chungbuk Province, on the 15th and 16th, he said, "I would like to express my gratitude to the residents of Asan and Jincheon who have supported them in every way. I also thank all the officials who have worked hard to ensure the evacuees' lives were not inconvenient."