President Moon: "No Optimism on COVID-19... Stay Alert for Small Cluster Infections and Global Spread"

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House on the afternoon of the 9th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in cautioned on the 9th that "we must continue this trend" as the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been gradually decreasing this month, but also warned that "it is still too early to be optimistic."

On the afternoon of the same day, President Moon held a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House Yeomin-gwan and said, "Sporadic small-scale cluster infections continue in several regions, including Daegu and Gyeongbuk," adding, "The continuation of small-scale cluster infections means that larger cluster infections could occur, so we cannot let our guard down at all." He also emphasized, "We cannot help but be concerned about signs of the global spread of the epidemic, which is causing tension in many countries." This refers to concerns about the so-called 'Pandemic.'

President Moon stated, "So far, the risk of cluster infections has occurred in group facilities such as nursing hospitals and densely populated areas like religious events," and added, "Regarding group facilities in nursing hospitals, the government will proactively respond by conducting thorough investigations starting with high-risk areas in cooperation with local governments." He also earnestly appealed, "I sincerely ask the public to exercise a little more restraint in attending religious and other mass gatherings," pointing out, "Fortunately, many religious organizations have cooperated well, but some still continue to hold such events."

The number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea has generally been decreasing since reaching a peak of 916 on the 28th of last month, down to 248 as of the day before. Referring to these figures, President Moon expressed hope, saying, "Since the number of new confirmed cases continues to rise in many countries worldwide, if we maintain the current trend, reduce the number of new cases further, and enter a stabilization phase, South Korea could be recognized as a model case in COVID-19 prevention."

He continued, "The achievements so far are entirely due to the trust in and support for the quarantine authorities and medical staff by the people," and said, "I extend my boundless respect and gratitude to our proud citizens."

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House on the afternoon of the 9th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, as a temporary measure against the 'mask shortage crisis,' the '5-day mask distribution system' was implemented starting today. President Moon explained, "It is inconvenient in many ways, and the allocation of 'two masks per person per week' may be insufficient for many," but added, "This measure was inevitably taken because the rapid spread of the infectious disease caused supply to fall short of demand." He repeatedly asked for understanding, saying, "I ask for your broad understanding and cooperation with a spirit of compromise and consideration."

The participants of the senior secretaries meeting on this day did not wear masks. Instead, the meeting was held in a larger-than-usual conference room, ensuring safe distancing between attendees for safety.