Prime Minister Jeong: "COVID-19 Testing, I Also Feel Waves of Anxiety and Fear"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] On the 22nd, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who tested negative after undergoing a specimen test for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), expressed, "I also felt waves of anxiety and fear."

Prime Minister Chung wrote on his social network service (SNS), "Fortunately, the COVID-19 diagnostic test result came out negative," adding, "Although it was a preemptive measure following a confirmed case among Prime Minister's Office staff, I thank the citizens who were concerned and, at the same time, feel apologetic."

He continued, "After undergoing the test myself, I also experienced anxiety and fear until the results came out, and I realized the reality that no one is safe from COVID-19," emphasizing, "I will devote myself even more to my role as the head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters to end this situation as soon as possible."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 23rd, Prime Minister Chung said, "I also visited a screening clinic and underwent a diagnostic test myself, deeply feeling the reality that COVID-19 does not allow us even a moment of complacency."

On the morning of the 22nd, when a Prime Minister's Office staff member, Mr. A, was confirmed positive, Prime Minister Chung canceled all schedules, underwent a specimen test at the Jongno-gu Public Health Center in Seoul, and waited for the test results at the official residence. Although he was not in close contact with the confirmed staff member, he took the test preemptively as a precaution.

Currently, among 42 contacts of the Prime Minister's Office staff, 36 have tested negative, and 6 are awaiting results.