Prime Minister Jeong: "Concerned About Easter Weekend Gatherings... Please Refrain from In-Person Meetings as Much as Possible"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun urged on the 10th, "Please refrain from holding in-person gatherings as much as possible this weekend, and if you do hold gatherings, strictly follow quarantine guidelines such as maintaining at least 1 meter distance between participants."

Prime Minister Jeong presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office and said, "I understand that many places are planning small gatherings for Easter this weekend. This is a cause for concern."

He also mentioned, "The number of new confirmed cases has remained in double digits for eight consecutive days, and it dropped to 39 the day before yesterday. I believe this is the result of the intense social distancing measures, and I would like to thank the public once again."

He continued, "I emphasize repeatedly, but this is by no means a stage to be complacent," adding, "If we become lax now, we may have to pay the price later in the form of unbearable social costs and suffering."

However, he pointed out, "While there are positive signs, there are also concerning issues," noting, "The fatality rate among confirmed cases aged 60 and above continues to rise, and the fatality rate for those in their 80s has exceeded 20%."

He added, "Preventing the elderly from becoming infected is the best measure. Although we have been focusing on managing nursing homes and long-term care hospitals early on, measures are also needed for those living at home," and ordered, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should provide related information through various channels so that the elderly and their caregivers can learn and practice preventive lifestyle rules."

Prime Minister Jeong also explained, "Among confirmed cases who have been released from isolation, 74 cases?more than 1% of all recovered patients?have tested positive again," and said, "Due to the characteristics of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing method, it is highly likely that dead virus fragments were detected as positive, according to cautious opinions from quarantine authorities."

He added, "However, the possibility of reactivation or reinfection cannot be ruled out," and instructed, "The quarantine authorities should promptly investigate related cases and gather opinions from medical professionals and experts to prepare response measures so that the public does not become anxious."