"COVID-19 Vaccinations Starting Early Next Year"…People Power Party Announces 3 Safety Policies

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 4th, the Policy Committee of the People Power Party announced the third installment of the 'Livelihood Policy Series,' titled the 'COVID-19 Relief 3 Policies.'

The People Power Party stated, "To support citizens who have suffered economic and psychological damage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the next year's budget includes ▲a third disaster relief fund (an increase of 3 trillion KRW) ▲vaccination costs for all citizens (an increase of 900 billion KRW) ▲the establishment of one additional infectious disease specialized hospital (an increase of 2.3 billion KRW), reflecting livelihood-related budget items," and added, "We promise the public the 'COVID-19 Relief 3 Policies' and will actively promote them."

Specifically, they plan to provide financial and institutional support to secure intensive care unit (ICU) beds. The People Power Party said, "The proportion of severe cases among confirmed patients is 5%, and based on past experiences where the rate of severe cases sharply increased 2 to 3 weeks after cluster outbreaks, the current trend of confirmed cases raises concerns about a hospital bed crisis in mid to late December," adding, "the People Power Party strongly urges the government to prepare extraordinary measures to secure hospital beds and pledges to provide full financial and institutional support for proactive ICU bed acquisition."

They also plan to disclose the government's vaccine procurement plan in detail. The People Power Party said, "While foreign governments have already taken active steps to secure vaccines, our government has shown an excessively relaxed attitude," and stated, "We will strive to secure excellent vaccines early and enable all citizens to receive vaccinations in phases starting early next year." Additionally, they emphasized the introduction of rapid diagnostic screening tests to identify hidden transmitters.