[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced on the 15th, "We intend to raise social distancing to Level 2 in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province."
In his opening remarks at the Emergency Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "The spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is very severe, especially in the metropolitan area."
He emphasized, "If we fail to overcome this critical moment, it will be a life-or-death moment leading to a resurgence as experienced by many countries worldwide," and added, "The top priority is to block the spread of infection in the metropolitan area as quickly as possible."
When social distancing is raised to Level 2, operations of high-risk facilities with a high risk of group infections will be suspended, and spectators will be banned from sports events. The Level 2 upgrade is scheduled to take effect immediately from midnight on the 16th, the following day, and is expected to be maintained for two weeks initially.
Prime Minister Chung said, "The metropolitan area has experience with easing social distancing, so tightening it again may be difficult," and requested, "Seoul and Gyeonggi Province should ensure that strengthened quarantine rules are efficiently implemented on the ground, and the quarantine authorities should actively support local governments."
He also added, "To block nationwide spread, local hub cities that share living areas or have active movement and exchange with Seoul and Gyeonggi regions must also strengthen their quarantine efforts."
Prime Minister Chung appealed once again for the cooperation of the public, saying, "Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and adhering to personal hygiene rules are the best vaccines to protect ourselves from COVID-19."
As COVID-19 confirmed cases rapidly increase in the metropolitan area, new confirmed cases recorded 103 the previous day (85 local infections, 18 imported cases) and 166 as of midnight that day (155 local infections, 11 imported cases). The 166 cases are the highest since March 11 (242 cases).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
