[Q&A] Prime Minister Jeong: "Judged 3rd Disaster Relief Fund Necessary... Conclusion Through Budget Committee"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun held an emergency press briefing on the afternoon of the 29th at the Government Seoul Office to announce strengthened quarantine measures related to the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The briefing was conducted with the attendance of Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo and Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Jung Eun-kyeong. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated, "The government also believes that a third round of disaster relief funds is necessary." This announcement came as he declared that while maintaining level 2 social distancing measures for COVID-19 in the metropolitan area, the government would strengthen quarantine measures.

At a COVID-19 overcoming press conference held on the afternoon of the 29th, Prime Minister Chung said, "We will maintain the level 2 social distancing measures in the metropolitan area but will strengthen quarantine measures for facilities where cluster infections occur and activities with high risk, especially those centered on younger generations."

Below is a Q&A session between Prime Minister Chung, Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Jung Eun-kyung, and the press corps.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun held an emergency press briefing on the afternoon of the 29th at the Government Seoul Office Building to announce strengthened quarantine measures related to the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). (Image source=Yonhap News)

- Many experts have pointed out the need to raise social distancing in the metropolitan area to level 2.5. What was the decisive reason for deciding to maintain level 2 measures as they are?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) We will maintain level 2 but apply '+α' measures such as stricter bans on gatherings in special facilities like saunas and Zumba classes, which go beyond level 2. Rather than uniformly adjusting the level across the board, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) aims to minimize damage to people's daily lives while achieving quarantine effectiveness through 'precision quarantine' by taking appropriate measures tailored to the situation.

- You mentioned that local governments judged to have high risk will be raised to level 2. Which local governments does the CDSCH currently identify as high-risk?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) When adjusting levels, we consider auxiliary indicators such as how prepared the medical system is to handle severe patients, the composition and age groups of confirmed cases, and the likelihood of progression to severe cases. Discussions with the Living Quarantine Committee are also an important part of the process. Based on a comprehensive judgment, the principle is level 1.5, but adjustments to level 2 can be made independently if necessary. Such places include Jeonbuk, Gyeongnam, and a few others. Gangwon Province is also included. Nationwide, there are about ten target areas depending on the basic local governments.

- You said that year-end and New Year events or parties held in hotels, party rooms, and guesthouses are prohibited. Usually, these parties are hosted by individuals. How is this ban enforced, and what penalties are imposed if violated?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) Through recommendations, we have experienced that most cases are carried out without major issues. Rather than enforcement, since social distancing is at level 2, the quarantine level is raised by taking necessary measures. If local governments and businesses communicate and cooperate, compliance can be ensured, leading to successful quarantine outcomes.

- The medical community and experts say they would prefer level 2.5 and criticize the government’s measures as delayed. What is the government's position?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) The CDSCH has carefully considered opinions from local governments, experts, and public sentiment. For the metropolitan area, we are applying '+α' measures on top of level 2. '+α' means identifying where young people are likely to spread the virus and strengthening quarantine measures there?this is precision quarantine. This approach minimizes COVID-19 transmission while alleviating public hardship caused by restrictions. If necessary, the level can be raised or lowered in the future.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun held an emergency press briefing at the Government Seoul Office Building on the afternoon of the 29th to announce strengthened quarantine measures related to the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The woman on the right is Jeong Eun-kyeong, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. (Photo by Yonhap News)

- A recent study showed that epidemiological investigators are experiencing severe burnout. They face difficulties due to lack of support such as mobile phones for quarantine activities or fuel expenses. What are the improvement plans?

▲(Director Jung) We will prepare and provide sufficient financial and other support measures to alleviate such difficulties. Since epidemiological investigators exist at the central, provincial, and local government levels, we will carefully develop support plans in consultation with related departments and local governments. Currently, one epidemiological investigation team operates per city, county, or district, but we will expand the scale as needed. Additionally, contact tracing teams will be expanded by training personnel beyond health center staff, and we will pursue various efforts to do so.

-(Moderator) Regarding maintaining level 2 social distancing in the metropolitan area, there are guidelines specifying which areas must comply and which do not. Please state the essential guidelines that must be followed.

▲(Minister Park) The most important way to prevent this third wave is for each citizen to become the main agent of quarantine and maintain vigilance in their daily lives. It is best to avoid situations where wearing masks is difficult. When meeting close family members or relatives whom you do not usually see, there is a high possibility that some may be asymptomatic carriers. During this critical time, please refrain from gatherings or prohibit them altogether, and if unavoidable, always wear masks to prevent transmission to neighbors. I earnestly request this.

- Are there specific plans or decisions regarding vaccine procurement and supply?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) The government has been making great efforts with the goal of securing and supplying the necessary amount of vaccines on time. Basically, 10 million doses are secured through the COVAX Facility. The target amount reported at the last Cabinet meeting was 30 million doses. The KDCA is currently negotiating with suppliers on how to procure these 30 million doses. However, there is no guarantee that 100% of contracted vaccines will be supplied. It may be necessary to contract more than needed as a contingency. We are comprehensively reviewing and negotiating with global vaccine manufacturers capable of supply. Domestic vaccine manufacturers are likely to supply much later, so before then, we are trying to obtain necessary quantities from manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe. Since negotiations with vaccine suppliers are not yet complete, we will report the results once more time has passed.

- The Prime Minister said twice that a public report on vaccines would be given in early December. Is it possible to announce interim results this week?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) Yes. If early, we can report within this week, but at the latest, we expect to provide a detailed report on government efforts by next week. Possibly this week or next week.

- Concerns have been raised about AstraZeneca's clinical trials. Does this affect the government's vaccine procurement or delay the schedule?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) I cannot say definitively, but it is a manageable issue, and I understand AstraZeneca is taking necessary measures. AstraZeneca is one of the important supply sources for our government. The supply schedule may be slightly delayed, but it is not expected to be a decisive problem.

- You said the public must be the main agents of quarantine. As the situation prolongs, vigilance and participation rates are declining. What is the government's countermeasure?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) During the Daegu Shincheonji incident, Itaewon incident, and August 15 events, transmission was mainly by specific groups, producing many confirmed cases. Now, the situation is nationwide. It is difficult to overcome this challenge by quarantine authorities alone. Rather, if the public actively participates, unexpectedly good results can be achieved. I once again ask all citizens to cooperate and take the lead in overcoming this difficulty.

- Some experts point out a time lag between cluster infection spread and quarantine measures, saying measures cannot keep up with the spread. What do you think?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) Of course, the Central Disease Control Headquarters, CDSCH, and Central Accident Investigation Headquarters are doing their best, but COVID-19 is a monstrous virus. Looking back, there may be things we wish we had done differently. Nevertheless, I believe our Central Disease Control Headquarters has done very well so far. I am confident that with continued efforts and the experience and know-how gained over the past 10 months, we can achieve the results the public expects.

- In your opening remarks, you said this is the most serious crisis phase since March, with invisible infection risks lurking everywhere in daily life. Please comment on future trends.

▲(Director Jung) The conditions are very unfavorable. We have entered winter, so indoor activities increase significantly. Activities like sauna, indoor sports facilities, and table tennis halls, where masks cannot be worn for long periods during exercise, remain risky. Also, many private gatherings are planned for year-end and New Year. If these two factors are not controlled, the risk of spread will increase. Failure to control risk may require raising social distancing levels further, which would cause significant damage to the public and the nation. It is very important to curb this wave and block spread now. Next week and through the year-end, maintaining this atmosphere and following quarantine rules is absolutely crucial.

- Please explain in detail what invisible infection risks exist.

▲(Director Jung) From a quarantine perspective, COVID-19 is a very difficult opponent. The virus is infectious two days before symptom onset and remains highly infectious for 2-3 days after onset, but symptoms are mild, making it hard for individuals to recognize. How to block high infectivity during the asymptomatic phase? Ultimately, there is no way other than reducing human contact. Therefore, we adjust social distancing levels as risk increases. There are accumulated asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infected individuals in the community. A period of pause is needed to prevent additional transmission and clear these cases. Hence, the metropolitan area was raised to level 2. Minimizing human contact until year-end or early next year is very important. Among the metropolitan area measures today, we urged refraining from gatherings of more than 10 people. Minimizing gatherings and wearing masks when meeting are the two strongest weapons.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun held an emergency press briefing on the afternoon of the 29th at the Government Seoul Office to announce strengthened quarantine measures related to the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The man on the far left is Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare. (Photo by Yonhap News)

- Due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, there are significant concerns about the public's mental health. How are psychological quarantine measures being prepared?

▲(Minister Park) The term 'Corona Blue' itself shows that mental health issues are as serious as economic hardships. Since late January when COVID-19 began, we formed an integrated psychological support team. The government, local governments, and various central government departments capable of psychological support have been providing integrated psychological support to the public. Scholars and experts from private psychological associations also participate and contribute greatly. Initially, psychological counseling and referrals to specialized mental health institutions were provided mainly to confirmed patients, their families, and those quarantined due to close contact. Now, psychological treatment is also provided to the general public through phone and face-to-face counseling. Psychological support and specific healing methods, such as forest healing support by the Korea Forest Service, are offered to quarantine officials and medical staff. We will listen more to public opinions and expand these services.

- You mentioned securing 30 million doses but said negotiations and situations must be considered. You plan to report progress next week or the week after. Does this mean additional procurement beyond the secured doses? When will the secured doses arrive? Please explain in detail.

▲(Prime Minister Chung) We must not get ahead of ourselves. Considering complex factors such as price and supply timing, we are striving to negotiate the most favorable terms. Since we negotiate with multiple suppliers, timing may be delayed, and we cannot disclose details before negotiations conclude. Reporting on unsettled negotiations risks damaging government credibility if not realized. The 30 million doses reported to the Cabinet are intended for reservation and budget approval. Even if 30 million doses are reserved or supply commitments obtained, some supply lines may fail, reducing quantities. Since 30 million doses can cover over 60% of the population, we are also making efforts to secure and contract additional doses.

- The Democratic Party mentioned pursuing 44 million doses. Has there been coordination with the government? How far along is this discussion?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) I have seen reports that the Democratic Party made such statements. While not baseless, it is not the government's final plan. I ask you to consider it only as a reference.

- Some argue that a third round of disaster relief funds should be disbursed. What is the Prime Minister's or government's stance?

▲(Prime Minister Chung) The government also believes a third round of disaster relief funds is necessary. However, since both ruling and opposition parties are presenting opinions, the government will work with both sides through the Budget and Accounts Committee to reach a good conclusion. Although we have plans, it is unwise to disclose them now. We will discuss with the parties in the Budget Committee and strive to reach a good conclusion.