Hwang Kyo-ahn: "Foreigners Visiting China Should Be Restricted from Entry and VAT for Small Business Owners Should Be Exempted for 6 Months" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, argued that in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, entry restrictions on foreigners visiting China should be strengthened, and value-added tax (VAT) for small business owners subject to simplified taxation should be exempted for the first half of this year to support livelihoods.

On the 19th, Hwang held an emergency press conference at the Main Building of the National Assembly, referring to COVID-19 as 'Wuhan Pneumonia' and made these remarks.

He said, "The Wuhan Pneumonia situation has developed into the feared scenario, with 15 confirmed cases reported in a single day today, and the infection is spreading uncontrollably. The fact that it is impossible to predict when, where, or how one might be infected is amplifying public anxiety and fear, and with the first child patient confirmed, parents nationwide are deeply shocked."

Hwang criticized the government for failing in initial response and early quarantine and prevention efforts, as well as failing to track domestic infection routes and confirmed patients' movements, emphasizing that entry restrictions on visitors from China should no longer be delayed. He stated, "Entry restrictions on foreigners who have visited all regions of China must be immediately strengthened, and strong restrictions should also be applied to third countries where community infections have occurred. With the new semester starting soon, about 50,000 Chinese international students will return, so a government-wide response regarding their entry is necessary."

He added, "As community transmission has become a reality and the infectious disease crisis has worsened, the crisis response level should be raised to the highest level, the 'serious stage,' and large-scale quarantine facilities should be prepared in advance. We must not spread complacent optimism that lowers public vigilance but face the situation as it is and respond appropriately."

To minimize economic damage, he also proposed a temporary exemption of VAT for small business owners. Hwang said, "I propose exempting VAT for small business owners subject to simplified taxation for six months in the first half of this year. A definite measure is needed to reassure the anxious public, and our United Future Party will respond across party lines and actively cooperate with government authorities' efforts."

He also criticized President Moon’s recent remarks about the end of COVID-19. Hwang said, "President Moon’s statement that the outbreak will end soon was a truly premature misjudgment that caused a looser response to the situation. The public deserves a detailed explanation of what reports and judgments led to such a hasty statement."

Regarding entry restrictions on foreigners visiting China, Kim Jae-won, policy chief of the United Future Party, said, "While details need to be carefully reviewed, entry bans should initially be implemented for the top five provinces where COVID-19 originated. Once preparations are complete, a total entry ban on Chinese nationals should also be considered."

When asked about the possibility of locking down Daegu, where many confirmed cases recently occurred, he replied, "It is not a situation that requires a lockdown. All confirmed cases have been identified and are receiving isolated treatment. We need to check whether further transmission has occurred, but it is not yet time to lock down or take measures against a specific city."

Meanwhile, prior to the press conference, Hwang also posted on Facebook, stating, "The government should now consider expanding entry restrictions on China in accordance with the Korean Medical Association’s recommendations and establish a nationwide quarantine system to prepare for the prolonged situation," calling for proactive measures.