[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged on the 30th, "I ask young people to refrain from Halloween gatherings or events as much as possible, and to protect themselves by following personal hygiene rules such as wearing masks." He also instructed, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and related government agencies, as well as local governments, should concentrate all their efforts on quarantine measures to ensure that Halloween day does not become a source of large-scale spread."
At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office that day, Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Halloween day is just one day away."
He pointed out, "Fortunately, major clubs in Seoul have decided to close for quarantine purposes, but due to the nature of Halloween events where people dress up in various costumes and enjoy themselves, the situation cannot be considered safe."
He expressed concern, saying, "If infections spread in crowded situations, there is a sufficient possibility of large-scale transmission."
Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "This week, the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases has often exceeded three digits. New cluster infections are occurring not only in hospitals and nursing facilities but also in family and friend gatherings, schools, workplaces, and golf meetings in daily life."
He continued, "If this pattern continues, a large-scale outbreak could be triggered again at any time. We must hold the reins of quarantine tighter and not let our guard down."
Prime Minister Chung explained, "In just the past week, the global number of confirmed cases has reached 3 million, with about 40,000 deaths, indicating a serious global second pandemic. Countries around the world are fiercely competing to develop vaccines and treatments to end COVID-19 as soon as possible. Phase 3 clinical trials are nearing completion in the United States and the United Kingdom, while Russia has approved domestic use by skipping phase 3."
He said, "Many companies in our country are also accelerating vaccine and treatment development, and the government is fully supporting these efforts with determination to succeed in vaccine development this time, even if somewhat later than other countries."
He added, "In preparation for the possibility that vaccines may be developed abroad first, efforts are also underway to secure imported vaccines to supply them quickly to the public."
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