Lee Jae-myung: "I will pay closer attention to areas overshadowed by COVID-19"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, announced that he will take more meticulous care in supporting vulnerable groups and low-income citizens affected by COVID-19.

On the 4th, after announcing jointly with the Gyeonggi Province Mayors and Governors Council the implementation of income loss compensation, special management funds, and loan guarantees for COVID-19 affected groups within the province, Lee posted on Facebook titled "Meticulous quarantine even in shaded areas... We will work together with 31 cities and counties," stating, "COVID-19 is ruthlessly exposing the bare face of our society," and added, "Ordinary people placed in a market of infinite competition and survival of the fittest capitalism are enduring a desperate life, sacrificing their own safety day by day."

He continued, "The collective infection at the Bucheon Coupang logistics center also reflects the hardships of short-term workers, who cannot rest even when sick, cannot give up dangerous work, and must continue to work two or three jobs instead of stopping," adding, "The delivery boxes we comfortably receive at home contain the hardship of someone's life exchanged for safety."

Furthermore, Lee said, "Self-employed people who are enduring day by day in an economy where circulation has stopped are equally struggling," and expressed regret, "Especially, the difficulties of small business owners who stopped economic activities for the safety of the community are even greater, and in a situation where loans are not easy, their only choices are to illegally resume business or enter the dangerous short-term labor market that others avoid."

Lee particularly emphasized, "While proactive and bold quarantine measures are important, it is crucial to meticulously care for the most vulnerable people and places," explaining the background of the announced support measures by saying, "Gyeonggi Province and 31 cities and counties have united in their intention to support vulnerable workers and small business owners subject to administrative orders for this very purpose."

In conclusion, he promised, "We will do our best to ensure that the quarantine is of the highest intensity while also being a careful quarantine that protects the weak."