Prime Minister Jeong: "We Will Strive to Stabilize Daegu City Within 4 Weeks"

On the 26th, at the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting for COVID-19 Expansion' held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ministers from each department are attentively listening to the opening remarks of Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who is inspecting the situation on-site at Daegu City Hall. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 26th, "We are implementing strong quarantine measures to stabilize Daegu City within four weeks."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at Daegu City Hall and stated, "This week is a critical period that will determine the success or failure of the COVID-19 response."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "To find patients early, isolate and treat them, the time lag between specimen collection, testing, and hospitalization after confirmation must be minimized, and beds, personnel, and supplies must be provided promptly. We will mobilize all resources and means to never miss the timing."

He added, "The battle against COVID-19 is a race against time, so the public and private sectors, local and central governments must unite and respond swiftly. However, there is a significant gap between the government's response and the situation on the ground. I will stay here on site to narrow this gap as much as possible."

Prime Minister Chung also said, "From midnight today, mask exports are restricted, and supply through the public distribution network will increase. Now, the public should be able to purchase masks easily."

He continued, "I ask related ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to take measures to ensure that sufficient quantities are supplied as soon as possible to the public distribution networks nationwide, including Nonghyup, post offices, as well as pharmacies and marts. In particular, please prioritize allocation to the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, medical staff, and vulnerable groups."