"Additional Quarantine Measures to Be Decided After Weekend Situation Review"
"Special Student Safety Period Until Year-End... Intensive Inspection of Quarantine Situation"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 4th, "We have designated the end of the year as a special period for student safety, strengthening quarantine management at facilities frequently visited by youth, and will also conduct intensive inspections of quarantine conditions at academies and private tutoring centers."
At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Office that day, Prime Minister Chung stated, "To ensure that the public can have a safe year-end and New Year, the government has established quarantine guidelines tailored to various daily life situations such as going out, dining out, and meetings."
He added, "Yesterday, the college entrance exam (CSAT) was taken by about 500,000 people nationwide and was completed without any major issues. CNN in the United States praised it as a 'remarkable event amid the COVID-19 spread.' However, we cannot be complacent. There is concern that students, feeling liberated after finishing the exam, might flock in large numbers to PC rooms, karaoke rooms, and the like."
He continued, "This year, I ask students themselves to avoid crowded facilities or places, and parents to carefully look after their children so that they can spend a safe year-end free from COVID-19."
Prime Minister Chung also said, "Immediately after the CSAT, the university early admission process, which about 600,000 students take part in, will begin in earnest. It is expected that about 200,000 students will move en masse to the metropolitan area and other regions this weekend alone." He urged, "Universities, the Ministry of Education, and local governments should make every effort to ensure quarantine management so that the university admission process can proceed safely."
Furthermore, he pointed out, "In December, there are many year-end gatherings and events such as year-end parties, Christmas, and closing ceremonies. Considering the strong activity of the coronavirus and the seasonal factor that makes ventilation difficult, the risk of infection spread is higher than ever."
Prime Minister Chung noted, "Many experts point out that 'talking during meals' is the most vulnerable to infection in daily life. The government has made many efforts to improve dining culture, but above all, the participation and cooperation of the public are crucial. Please remember and actively practice 'no talking while eating, wear a mask when talking.'"
In conclusion, Prime Minister Chung said, "We will decide on additional quarantine measures while monitoring the situation through the weekend."
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