Ahn Cheol-soo: "COVID-19 Can Spread Like a Cold... Masks Must Be Worn"

"Local Transmission Begins... Government's Delayed Response Issue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, the preparatory committee chairman of the People's Party (tentative name), stated on the 19th that the additional 10 confirmed cases in Daegu and 3 in Gyeongbuk, which occurred a day after the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Yeongnam region, "indicate that local transmission has begun."

Chairman Ahn said this during a meeting with reporters immediately after a press conference at the National Assembly Press Hall, adding, "It generally means that infection is possible like the common cold."

He criticized the government's delayed response, saying, "There are many problems with the government's late measures," and pointed out, "Entry restrictions should be imposed as soon as possible not only on foreigners coming from the Wuhan area but from all over China."

Chairman Ahn also said, "The level of our country's medical staff and health workers working on the front lines is world-class," and added, "I believe that if ordinary citizens do not become excessively fearful and take necessary measures such as wearing masks, we can definitely overcome this difficulty."