Prime Minister Jeong: "Considering Extension of Social Distancing... Difficult to Handle Fallout if Approached Rashly"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 16th, "From an economic perspective, easing social distancing is desirable, but if approached hastily without the proper conditions, it will be difficult to handle the repercussions."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung held a meeting at the government Seoul office with representatives from small business owners, the food service industry, the travel industry, performing arts, private academies, sports, and distribution sectors, stating, "I believe those attending today would not want to resume operations without thorough preparation only to face worsening conditions and further difficulties."

This meeting was organized ahead of the end of the government's strengthened social distancing measures to hear from industry workers who have been relatively affected by social distancing about their difficulties so far, as well as their opinions on whether to extend the enhanced social distancing and on the promotion of daily quarantine measures.

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "The strong social distancing we requested from the public is until this weekend, but we are deeply considering whether to extend it or adjust its intensity," adding, "It is an important remaining task to find a balance and harmony between daily life and quarantine by considering both the epidemiological necessity of social distancing and its social acceptability."