Prime Minister Jeong: "At a Crossroads of Large-Scale Spread... Discussing Adjustment to Level 2 in the Capital Area and Level 1.5 in Honam Region" (Update)

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 22nd, "We will discuss at today's meeting the plan to proactively adjust social distancing to level 2 in the Seoul metropolitan area and level 1.5 in the Honam region."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung stated, "Confirmed cases are occurring simultaneously across all aspects of daily life, putting us at a critical point of large-scale spread, an imminent situation."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases has remained in the 300s for five consecutive days. As of midnight on the 22nd, 330 new domestic COVID-19 cases were reported. Among them, 302 were domestic transmissions and 28 were imported cases, bringing the total confirmed cases to 30,733.

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "If we fail to overcome this critical moment, we could enter a large-scale resurgence path that many countries around the world are currently experiencing. To curb the spread before the college entrance exam and prevent a major winter outbreak, we must consider all possible measures, including adjusting social distancing levels."

He also urged, "Local governments should actively utilize the purpose of 'precision quarantine' and proactively implement necessary quarantine measures."

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "If social distancing is raised to level 2 in the metropolitan area, more than half of the population will experience significant inconvenience in their daily lives. Many self-employed and small business owners will also feel greater difficulties in their livelihoods."

He continued, "However, if we fail to curb the current spread, not only will our medical and quarantine systems become overwhelmed, but there is also a possibility of falling into an uncontrollable state like Europe or the United States. We must do our best to manage the situation with the spirit of solidarity and cooperation from all citizens more than ever."