[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Jeong Byeong-guk, a member of the Future United Party, emphasized that the government should activate the requisition law to intervene in the production and distribution of essential items such as masks and hand sanitizers in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
On the 24th, Jeong held a press conference at the National Assembly Press Hall and stated, "We are now beyond the serious stage under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act; this is a quasi-war situation to protect national security."
He argued that urgent hygiene supplies and facilities for accommodating confirmed patients should be requisitioned by activating the requisition law. Jeong said, "The prices of minimum hygiene items such as masks and hand sanitizers have already skyrocketed, and they are very difficult to obtain. Even the police are struggling to purchase thermometers," adding, "The government must temporarily intervene directly in the production and distribution of basic supplies until the situation is resolved."
He continued, "Currently, there are no facilities to accommodate over 20,000 international students who have already arrived from China, and tens of thousands of Shincheonji followers who have a high potential for transmission," adding, "Government involvement is necessary for accommodation facilities in key densely populated areas, medical facilities and equipment, and production facilities for food supply."
Jeong emphasized, "Protecting the private property of companies and citizens is a fundamental role of the state, but life is more important than property," and said, "The requisition rights for minimum resources must be activated through consultations among the president and ruling and opposition parties." He added, "Although requisition is unavoidable until the situation is resolved, if compensation measures corresponding to this are discussed together, I am confident that the public and companies will also participate."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
