Prime Minister Jeong: "Mandatory Nationwide Church Quarantine Rules... Prohibition of Gatherings and Events Other Than Regular Worship"

Fines Imposed on Churches and Users for Violations... "Active Cooperation from Religious Community" Requested
190,000 National Civil Service Exam Takers on the 11th... "Ensure Thorough Quarantine Measures"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering opening remarks at the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting for COVID-19 Response' held on the 5th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 8th, "The government will mandate core quarantine rules for churches nationwide," adding, "This does not designate all churches as high-risk facilities, but various gatherings and events outside of regular worship services, meal provisions, and the management of entry logs will be prohibited and made mandatory."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Prime Minister Chung stated, "The number of domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases continues to fluctuate and remains unstable. Analyzing infection cases shows that about half originate from small gatherings and events at churches."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "If core quarantine rules are violated, fines may be imposed not only on church officials but also on users. Please understand that this is an unavoidable decision made to protect the safety of the people from COVID-19. We ask for the active cooperation of the religious community."

He also said, "The national civil service exam, with 190,000 applicants, is scheduled for the upcoming Saturday," adding, "We have already successfully conducted various civil service exams in May and June. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and related departments should prioritize the safety of examinees and thoroughly implement quarantine measures based on their experience and know-how."