[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 1st, "Self-quarantine is a legally enforced measure to protect the safety of our community, and any violations will be reported or result in forced deportation without any leniency."
Prime Minister Chung presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office and said, "There are cases where people entering from overseas violate self-quarantine rules due to unfamiliarity with domestic circumstances or a false sense of security after returning to their safe home country. There is particular concern about young international students, so I emphasize this once again."
He explained, "From midnight today, self-quarantine has become mandatory for all arrivals. Although the number of short-term foreign visitors will significantly decrease, the number of people under self-quarantine is expected to increase mainly among our citizens returning home for the time being."
He continued, "I am worried about the increased burden on local governments, but since self-quarantine management is a key measure to protect local communities from infection, I ask that you focus your capabilities on managing those under self-quarantine."
Prime Minister Chung also mentioned, "The phased online school opening was a second-best choice to guarantee our children's right to learn in a situation where safe school attendance cannot be ensured."
He added, "However, since remote classes are a first experience not only for children but also for teachers, many people are worried about whether they will proceed properly. It is true that we are all sharing these concerns," and expressed, "While physical preparations are important, it is necessary to explain in detail to the public how the classes will be conducted."
Furthermore, he said, "We should report the situation well and ask for cooperation from parents, acknowledging that there will be shortcomings since this is our first time starting this."
Finally, Prime Minister Chung concluded, "From today, all firefighters' status has been converted to national employees," and added, "I hope that this transition to national status will allow firefighters to carry out their duties with greater pride."
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