Prime Minister Jeong Visits Daegu: "Must Overcome at the Whole Government Level... Will Provide Administrative and Financial Support"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun visited Daegu, where a large number of COVID-19 cases have been reported, on the 19th and said, "From the central government's perspective, we do not consider this solely a problem of Daegu City, but will take joint responsibility and actively implement the necessary measures."

On the afternoon of the same day, Prime Minister Chung made an emergency visit to Daegu City Hall and stated, "The entire government intends to actively share concerns and overcome this situation together, and we plan to take administrative and financial measures and provide support accordingly."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, a total of 20 new COVID-19 cases were reported that day, with 18 cases coming from Daegu and Gyeongbuk. Notably, 15 of the patients were found to attend a church in Daegu, raising concerns about community transmission becoming a reality.

Prime Minister Chung said, "From Daegu City's perspective, securing hospital beds in public or private hospitals seems to be the most urgent matter," and added, "If those measures prove insufficient, we should actively consider cooperating with neighboring local governments."

He continued, "The government will actively assist, but since there have been ongoing collaborations with Gyeongbuk, Ulsan, Busan, and Gyeongnam, I expect a beautiful display of mutual cooperation during difficult times."

Prime Minister Chung also urged, "I hope that the citizens of Daegu will not worry excessively and that by providing clear safety guidelines, we can wisely overcome this difficulty," and added, "I hope that the mayor of Daegu, various public officials, and medical institutions will communicate well and cooperate to overcome this challenge."

Meanwhile, concerned that his visit might inadvertently disrupt the epidemiological investigations and quarantine efforts of on-site personnel, Prime Minister Chung minimized the number of accompanying staff, traveling only with Chief Secretary Kim Seong-su, Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Director Kim Gye-jo of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Planning and Coordination Office Director Kang Do-tae of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.