Daegu·Gyeongbuk Declared 'Special Disaster Areas'... Tourism Industry Under Review for 'Special Employment Support Sector'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Following the designation of Daegu and Gyeongbuk Cheongdo areas as 'Infectious Disease Special Management Areas,' the government plans to designate travel agencies, tourism accommodation businesses, and tourism transportation businesses as 'Special Employment Support Sectors.' In particular, the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions will be declared special disaster zones at the request of residents.

The government's comprehensive livelihood and economic measures to minimize the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and to overcome it early, announced on the 28th, include these details.

The government will first declare the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions as special disaster zones and review all possible support measures.

Once declared special disaster zones, the Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas will receive special support in administration, finance, taxation, and other areas necessary for emergency measures and damage recovery related to COVID-19.

Support will also be provided to stabilize the livelihoods of affected residents. In addition to basic support, the government plans to promote separate support using supplementary budgets.

President Moon Jae-in, during his visit to Daegu on the 25th, stated, "Because the situation is very serious, declaring a special disaster zone alone will not be sufficient," indicating the need for additional support for regional reconstruction while designating Daegu and Gyeongbuk as special disaster zones.

The government is also considering designating travel agencies, tourism accommodation businesses, and tourism transportation businesses as special employment support sectors.

In this case, the level and limit of employment retention support funds will be raised. Additionally, support such as deferral of insurance premiums and tax payments for partner companies and priority payment of short-term worker compensation will be provided.

Furthermore, if areas currently designated as employment and industrial crisis zones?such as Gunsan, Ulsan Dong-gu, Tongyeong, and Geoje?request an extension of the special employment support sector designation, the government will decide on the extension after holding an early Employment Policy Deliberation Committee meeting.

Moreover, the government plans to newly introduce a COVID-19 regional employment response special support project to implement customized employment stabilization measures tailored to regions experiencing employment deterioration.

A government official said, "We will actively utilize the regional and sectoral support system to strengthen support for affected regions and industries."