Prime Minister Jeong: "Concerns Over Sporadic Overseas Influx of COVID-19... Strengthening Development of Treatments and Vaccines"

Domestic Infectious Disease Experts Meeting... Discussions on Preparing for the Second Wave and More

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (second from left) is holding a meeting with seven experts on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 3rd. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun met with domestic infectious disease experts on the 3rd at his official residence in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss responses to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), including trends in the development of treatments and vaccines.

This meeting was held to review the past six months since the first domestic COVID-19 patient was confirmed on January 20, to gather opinions from private sector representatives on South Korea's quarantine achievements, future quarantine measures, and domestic and international development trends related to treatments and vaccines.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Experts' opinions and suggestions have been a great help in the government's COVID-19 response so far," and expressed gratitude, saying, "As a result of such efforts, the rapid increase in patients has been curbed, and internationally, 'K-quarantine' has been recognized as a model case."

He also conveyed his thanks to private company representatives participating jointly with the National Institute of Health in the development of treatments and vaccines.

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, stating, "Recently, the number of domestic infections has stabilized, allowing partial admission of spectators in professional sports, easing of quarantine measures in churches, and limited reopening of public facilities, thus finding a balance between quarantine and daily life; however, sporadic overseas inflows continue."

He added, "The government has designated countries subject to strengthened quarantine measures to block overseas inflow of COVID-19, and is enhancing quarantine management through requirements such as submission of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) negative test certificates, visa and flight restrictions."

He further noted, "Support for the development of treatments and vaccines in preparation for a second wave is also being strengthened."

Attendees at the meeting included Professor Ki Moran of the National Cancer Center, Kim Seong-ran, President of the Korean Association of Infection Control Nurses, Ahn Jae-yong, CEO of SK Bioscience, and Ki Woo-sung, Vice Chairman of Celltrion.