First Special Disaster Area Designated Due to Infectious Disease... 50% of Restoration Costs Supported by National Funds, Electricity and Communication Fees Reduced
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in has declared Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongbuk's Gyeongsan, Cheongdo, and Bonghwa as special disaster zones.
Kang Min-seok, Blue House spokesperson, announced on the 15th, "President Moon Jae-in approved the declaration of special disaster zones for Daegu and some areas of Gyeongbuk at 2:10 PM today." This marks the first time a special disaster zone has been designated due to an infectious disease.
The declaration of special disaster zones for Daegu and Gyeongbuk, where the 'Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19)' issue was most severe domestically, was anticipated. With the declaration, government support for Daegu and Gyeongbuk is expected to be concentrated.
In Gyeongbuk, areas severely affected by COVID-19 such as Gyeongsan, Cheongdo, and Bonghwa were designated as special disaster zones. The Blue House reportedly designated the special disaster zones considering the extent of COVID-19 damage.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun proposed the designation of special disaster zones, and after deliberation by the Central Safety Management Committee, the declaration was made on the same day. Special disaster zones are designated when it is recognized that local governments alone cannot handle recovery from natural or social disasters and national-level support is necessary.
Once designated as a special disaster zone, damage surveys and recovery plans are prepared, and 50% of recovery costs are supported by national funds. Support is also provided for residents' livelihood and housing stability costs. Relief funds are provided for the deceased and injured. Electricity bills, health insurance premiums, communication fees, and city gas charges are also reduced.
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