Seoul Metropolitan Council Supports Early End and Countermeasures for COVID-19

Signs of Nationwide Spread, Overcoming Crisis Through Cooperation, Consideration, and Community Spirit... Early Supplementary Budget to Support Low-Income Economy Under Review, Attention and Care Needed for Vulnerable Groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] On the occasion of the opening of the 291st Seoul Metropolitan Council extraordinary session, the Steering Committee (Chairman Seo Yoon-gi) held its first meeting at 10 a.m. on the 21st and handled a total of five agenda items, including the implementation of urgent current issue questions, consultation on the agenda, and the resolution for the formation of a special committee.

The Steering Committee agreed that “the COVID-19 virus, which had been well managed through Seoul City's proactive and preemptive measures, is showing signs of spreading nationwide,” and that the health and safety of citizens are under serious threat.

They emphasized that during such a critical time, it is essential to overcome 'discrimination and disparagement' and 'hatred' by demonstrating 'cooperation and consideration' and a 'sense of community,' uniting the power of 10 million citizens to overcome this national crisis.

Additionally, the Steering Committee stated, "As this is a time when extraordinary measures are urgently needed to bring an early end to this situation, unnecessary blame-shifting debates and all political conflicts should be avoided, and the council will spare no support at the parliamentary level." They also highlighted the need to review measures to revitalize the low-income economy through early supplementary budgets and to actively care for and pay attention to vulnerable groups who have difficulty purchasing masks and hand sanitizers.

In particular, Chairman Seo Yoon-gi (Gwanak 2, Democratic Party) urged, “If even one council member becomes infected with the virus and the entire council is shut down, not only will the progress of the agenda be halted, but the decision-making, checks, and oversight functions of Seoul City's major policies could be paralyzed.” He requested that each member take thorough care of their hygiene and health.

Vice Chairman Noh Sik-rae (Yongsan 2, Democratic Party) instructed the council secretariat to take more proactive measures to prevent the spread, including thorough disinfection and quarantine of the entire council building.

In response to the 291st extraordinary session, the Seoul Metropolitan Council decided to change some of the agenda, including postponing the originally scheduled three-day city administration questions, so that Seoul City can focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and preparing countermeasures.