[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 8th, "This is the last chance to prevent the 'worst winter' caused by the nationwide outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)," adding, "Before our entire economy and society come to a halt, patience and wisdom to pause for a moment are necessary."
At the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Chung announced, "Social distancing will be raised from 0:00 today for three weeks to level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and level 2 in non-metropolitan areas."
He emphasized, "Especially in the metropolitan area, which has entered the pandemic stage, no one is safe," and urged, "Please stay at home as much as possible except for essential activities."
He also added, "To be able to see your precious people healthy for a longer time, I ask you to convey your regards to each other non-face-to-face during this year-end and New Year period."
Regarding the 2021 budget passed by the National Assembly last week, Prime Minister Chung mentioned that it is the largest ever at 558 trillion won, explaining, "It increased by 2.2 trillion won compared to the government's proposal, and this is the first time since 2010 that the total amount of the budget increased during the National Assembly's deliberation."
He then stated, "I believe it contains a sincere hope that our economy will shake off COVID-19, rise again, and take off once more."
Prime Minister Chung said, "Now the government must respond to the public's expectations with swift and effective budget execution," and ordered, "Each ministry should faithfully prepare execution plans for each project so that the budget is delivered properly and timely from early January next year."
He continued, "In particular, please make thorough preparations to ensure that the 'customized damage support' prepared to respond to the third wave of COVID-19 is paid on time."
Prime Minister Chung said, "It is as important to properly close out this year's budget as it is to prepare for the new year," and urged, "Each ministry should cooperate with local governments and make every effort to execute the budget until the end so that the recent economic rebound can be supported by fiscal policy."
He also pointed out, "This year, due to COVID-19, even street donation boxes are less frequented," and noted, "However, vulnerable groups are experiencing a harder winter than any other year due to the prolonged infectious disease situation."
He then requested, "Each ministry should carefully check the implementation status on the ground to ensure that winter livelihood measures provide practical help to these people," and urged, "Please thoroughly look into whether there are any people struggling in the blind spots of welfare."
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