[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, advised the public that it is time to mentally prepare and take practical measures as there is a possibility of an unavoidable massive outbreak of infections.
In a post on Facebook on the 4th, Governor Lee stated, "Despite unprecedented responses from quarantine authorities, the speed of COVID-19 infections is too fast," adding, "While we have somewhat succeeded in flattening the graph through rapid and strong initial responses, it is neither possible nor successful for our country alone to completely block infections of a globally spreading infectious disease."
He continued, "Infectious disease responses initially aim to eradicate the root through lockdown policies, but when lockdown is impossible, we inevitably shift to mitigation strategies that reduce spread and minimize damage, and we have already shifted our focus to mitigation strategies."
He also warned, "We must never dismiss Chancellor Merkel's statement that 40-70% of Germany's population could be infected or experts' gloomy forecasts that over 60% of the population must be infected for the outbreak to subside as irresponsible pessimism," and added, "We must not be overconfident, ignoring the infection spread situations in the US and Europe, thinking 'only we can avoid damage.'"
Governor Lee particularly expressed concern, saying, "Our efforts have been recognized worldwide for suppressing infection spread to some extent and delaying a sudden outbreak, but in the global era, the international environment surrounding us does not allow isolation," and "We have been diligently building breakwaters to block waves, but now a tsunami beyond what the breakwaters can handle is expected."
As grounds for this, he cited the increasing number of infections that are impossible to trace, the fact that more than half of the infections in the metropolitan area are from overseas entrants, but over 90% of entrants are our own citizens, and that it is our reality that we cannot survive by severing international relations.
Therefore, he advised the government that although they are doing their best, if an emergency landing cannot be avoided, the shock intensity should be reduced by a soft landing rather than a hard landing, and appropriate preemptive measures should be prepared to minimize damage.
Governor Lee also urged residents to adopt a proper mindset in dealing with infectious diseases.
He prefaced, "Preparation for an (infectious disease) emergency landing includes the mental preparation of passengers (the public)," and advised, "We should not deny or avoid the expected upcoming infection explosion but face it calmly and prepare."
He added, "Excessive pessimism is not right, but excessive optimism should also be guarded against," emphasizing, "Especially, the administration, which is the last bastion responsible for the lives and safety of the people, must always prepare for the worst."
Governor Lee also conveyed a somewhat hopeful message, saying, "It seems we will have to coexist forcibly with COVID-19 for a considerable period until treatments and vaccines are developed," and "Although the rapid speed is threatening, fortunately, the fatality rate is low, so if quarantine rules are followed and the medical system operates well, we can end coexistence without major damage."
In conclusion, he requested, "To overcome this difficulty together, please strictly comply with quarantine rules, maintain physical distance, and enhance social solidarity," and promised, "Gyeonggi Province will thoroughly secure the medical system, including intensive care units, in preparation for the worst-case scenario and will do everything possible to minimize economic damage and stabilize residents' lives."
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