Park Neunghu: "80 Deaths from COVID This Month... Still Concerning"

Special Quarantine Period for Two Weeks Starting Today... Government "Thorough Quarantine Measures Without Rest Even During Holidays"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] "The number of deaths continues steadily, so the situation remains unstable."

On the 28th, Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), stated during the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that although the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Korea has been decreasing recently, the number of deaths is increasing.

Deputy Head Park said, "The daily number of confirmed cases in the country has been in double digits for four consecutive days," adding, "Although it is a decreasing trend, fluctuations continue." He further explained, "The proportion of elderly among confirmed patients is high, and unfortunately, about 80 deaths occurred in September alone," and "As of midnight the previous day, the total cumulative number of deaths reached 401."

He emphasized the need for everyone's wisdom to wisely spend the Chuseok holiday, during which nationwide movement and close contact are highly likely.

Deputy Head Park said, "From today, a special quarantine period will be set for two weeks (September 28 to October 11), applying more detailed and strengthened quarantine standards," and "This special quarantine measure is an unavoidable choice to prevent greater pain and sacrifice."

He requested, "Managers of multi-use facilities such as restaurants and large supermarkets should limit the number of entrants and minimize tasting corners to reduce crowding within facilities as much as possible," and "Local governments should thoroughly inspect high-risk facilities where people may gather, traditional markets, and railway stations to ensure that quarantine rules such as mask-wearing are well observed."

He added, "The government will make every effort to maintain quarantine measures without rest even during the holiday period," and "We ask all citizens to strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing anytime and anywhere."