[Press Conference by President Moon] President Moon Shows Confidence: "Vaccines Are Being Introduced Quickly and Sufficiently"

"Complete herd immunity expected by November... Possibly faster than other countries"
"If confirmed cases stay below 400 this week, quarantine measures may be eased"
Policy focus on resolving COVID-19 polarization... "It would be good if companies voluntarily create funds"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Jeon Jinyoung] President Moon Jae-in expressed confidence in the supply and vaccination plan for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. On the 18th, he mentioned that the number of confirmed cases had dropped to the 300s and indicated the possibility of lowering the quarantine level.

At a New Year's press conference held at the Blue House Chuncheon Hall that morning, President Moon was asked if he regretted setting the vaccination period between late February and March. He responded, "Not at all. The vaccines are being introduced quickly enough now."

President Moon explained, "Since these are the first vaccines developed, we diversified the risk by purchasing various vaccines evenly," adding, "Vaccination takes time, and vaccines have expiration dates, so we introduced them sequentially by quarter." He continued, "Starting from February, we plan to complete the first dose for all citizens who need vaccination by around September," and said, "The remaining second doses and those who missed vaccinations will be completed in the fourth quarter, so herd immunity should be fully established by November at the latest."

He emphasized, "When comparing the vaccination timing and herd immunity formation with other countries, Korea is by no means late; rather, it will be faster." Regarding concerns about vaccine side effects, he stated, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is re-examining safety. The public can be reassured," and added, "However, all vaccines may have some side effects, and the government will take full responsibility." He also said, "If anxiety about vaccines increases and leads to avoidance, I will not avoid getting vaccinated first."

President Moon anticipated that the COVAX Facility, a multinational vaccine alliance, would deliver supplies to Korea first. He added, "I have received reports that the timing of vaccine arrival and vaccination could be advanced."

Regarding this, Professor Ki Moran of the National Cancer Center's Department of Preventive Medicine agreed, saying, "Korea has a well-established vaccination system, provides free vaccination to all citizens, and has sufficient vaccine supplies." Professor Ki said, "Last year, nearly 3 million elderly people received flu vaccines within two days of the start, whereas in Europe or the U.S., it takes about a month to vaccinate the same number," and added, "I do not think herd immunity formation will be delayed just because vaccination started late."

President Moon also attracted attention by mentioning the possibility of lowering the quarantine level. He said, "As the number of confirmed cases dropped to the 300s today, it is clear that the third wave is subsiding," and added, "If we can maintain the number at 400 or below during this week, the quarantine level could be slightly eased." This seems to reflect awareness of the accumulated dissatisfaction among small business owners due to prolonged strengthened social distancing measures.

He also vowed to establish more urgent measures, learning from the group infection incident at Dongbu Detention Center. President Moon said, "It was revealed that detention centers and correctional facilities are overcrowded beyond capacity, and isolating by floors within the facility is insufficient to prevent spread, so we learned the lesson that more definite separation of confirmed cases and contacts early on is necessary," adding, "Since group infections occurred in facilities directly operated by the state, we feel this very seriously."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This year, he stated that policy emphasis would be placed on bridging the economic and educational gaps widened by COVID-19. He said, "Beyond simple recovery, inclusive recovery that resolves polarization and inequality in the COVID era is important," and added, "We will also make every effort to close the digital divide that prevents access to non-face-to-face classes."

As part of this, he encouraged companies to contribute funds. President Moon said, "If companies create funds to help small business owners, self-employed people, and vulnerable employment groups suffering from COVID, I think it is a very good thing," but added a caveat, "The premise is that this movement proceeds voluntarily, and it is desirable to encourage participation by providing strong incentives from the government to participating companies."

Regarding the ongoing debate over the target recipients of the fourth disaster relief fund, he said, "I think it is not the time to discuss this now," and drew a line, saying, "We are currently distributing the third disaster relief fund, and the execution of this year's main budget has just begun, so it is too early for the government to talk about the fourth support fund through supplementary budgets." This means that after confirming the results of the third disaster relief fund, if insufficient, additional support payments should be discussed.

Regarding the recipients, President Moon said, "If small business owners and self-employed people continue to suffer damage, I naturally think that selective support to strengthen assistance for them is appropriate," and added, "If COVID is almost under control and the situation calls for full-scale consumption stimulation, universal support funds could also be used."