[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 22nd regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "The government judges that the infection is entering a serious phase and is doing its best to prevent further spread."
On the evening of the same day, Prime Minister Chung made a public address at the Government Seoul Office, stating, "I believe the public is very worried. As Prime Minister, I feel a great sense of responsibility and offer my apologies."
Although Prime Minister Chung acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, he did not mention raising the crisis alert level. Medical organizations are recommending that the current 'caution' stage be elevated to the 'serious' stage.
Prime Minister Chung especially urged, "Please refrain from gatherings in confined indoor spaces such as religious events or, even if outdoors, events where many people are densely packed for the time being, or consider alternative methods such as online."
He continued, "The government is responding by transparently disclosing all situations related to COVID-19," and added, "If the public is informed of all COVID-19 situations as they are, the virus will have nowhere to hide."
He also warned, "We will firmly deal with acts that obstruct national quarantine activities, illegal acts such as hoarding hygiene products, and actions that exacerbate public anxiety through unreasonable mass gatherings, in accordance with laws and principles."
Prime Minister Chung further explained, "Under close cooperation between Daegu and Gyeongbuk, we are implementing strong response measures," and "Nationwide, we are establishing cooperative systems with local governments and the medical community to prepare for community transmission of COVID-19."
Additionally, he emphasized, "COVID-19 is characterized by high transmissibility in the early mild stage but low fatality rate," and "If detected early and isolated promptly for treatment, it is a disease that can be fully cured. The government is focusing efforts to prevent vulnerable groups such as patients with underlying conditions and the elderly from being infected."
Finally, Prime Minister Chung appealed, "I ask the public to trust and cooperate with our government and medical staff," and expressed, "Rather than being excessively fearful, please follow the infectious disease prevention guidelines well. Together with the public, we will definitely overcome this situation."
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases remained at 31 as of the 18th of this month, about a month after the first patient was reported on the 20th of last month, but increased to 104 on the 20th, 204 on the 21st, and 433 on the day of this report.
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