Prime Minister Jeong: "COVID-19, a Situation Requiring Tightening of Quarantine Measures Again"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is attending the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting for COVID-19 Response' held at the Seoul Situation Center of the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 19th, checking the current status of COVID-19. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 19th that "we are heading toward a situation where we must tighten the reins of quarantine once again" in relation to the continuous confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). He added, "We will create a more meticulous community quarantine network and thoroughly check our quarantine preparedness."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Seoul Situation Center of the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room in the Government Seoul Office. He stated, "Following China, the situations in neighboring countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore are worsening, and cases with unknown infection routes are appearing in our country as well."

Prime Minister Chung requested cooperation from medical institutions and local governments. He said, "To detect confirmed cases early in the community, provide treatment, and minimize additional infections, cooperation between medical institutions and local governments is crucial." He urged, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should prepare measures to promptly support medical institutions for any damages so that medical staff can actively respond to COVID-19."

He also requested, "Local governments should review their plans for expanding hospital beds and personnel step-by-step in preparation for community spread."

In conclusion, Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "COVID-19 is causing rapid shocks to economic activities and daily life in a short period. Our response must be equally swift." He stressed, "Citizens should trust the government and comply with infectious disease prevention guidelines, and related ministries should promptly prepare supplementary measures and ensure that these measures are immediately implemented on the ground."

Furthermore, he appealed, "The National Assembly should also swiftly process bills to strengthen the quarantine system, such as amendments to the Quarantine Act, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and Medical Service Act."