Concerns Over Issues Raised by Other Local Governments and Balloon Effect
[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) announced that, following controversy over fairness with other local governments regarding Daegu City's extension of business hours for restaurants and cafes from 9 PM to 11 PM starting on the 18th, a working-level meeting with local governments will be held tomorrow to reconsider the matter.
On the 17th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Accident Response Headquarters, said at the CDSCH regular briefing, "For now, Daegu City and all local governments will gather tomorrow to discuss the issue at a working level," adding, "We will listen to the basis and background of Daegu City's decision and then discuss the related matters again."
Son said, "Currently, when looking at the risk of infection control, the Gyeongnam region and Gyeongbuk region are showing almost similar trends," and added, "We plan to discuss and decide together what kind of decision should be made regarding the controversy over regional fairness."
Earlier, the government decided on the 16th to extend the social distancing levels for two more weeks: level 2.5 for the metropolitan area and level 2 for non-metropolitan areas. The business restriction hours for restaurants and others were maintained at 9 PM as before. However, Daegu City allowed karaoke rooms, indoor sports facilities, as well as restaurants and cafes to operate until 11 PM starting on the 18th.
Son stated, "This issue was extensively discussed at the CDSCH today," and added, "Because Daegu City announced this first without prior consultation, many local governments raised concerns about this matter." Although Daegu City's measure is not beyond the authority under the current Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, due to the fairness issue raised, additional discussions will be held to decide whether to withdraw the measure.
Son explained, "Currently, both the central government and local governments have the same authority regarding social distancing levels, so local governments also have the authority to adjust detailed aspects of the levels," but added, "However, since issues of fairness between industries or regions among local governments or problems caused by a balloon effect may arise, prior consultation and decision-making were agreed upon."
He continued, "It was agreed to prevent such issues from recurring," and said, "In the future, when important decisions like this arise, they will be made through discussions involving central ministries and local governments at the CDSCH level."
He added, "Because of this issue, we plan to hold a working-level meeting with local governments tomorrow to once again issue warnings and urge joint efforts."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
