Seolmin Life Measures... Continuous Operation of Selective Screening Clinics and COVID-19 Vaccination Starting in February

Operation of Screening Clinics and Infectious Disease Hospitals During Lunar New Year Holidays... Strengthening Medical Response System
Non-face-to-face Lunar New Year Campaign Also Conducted... "Video Letters Instead of Visits"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, and Kim Sang-jo, Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy, along with other key attendees, are taking a commemorative photo before the start of the high-level party-government meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] This Lunar New Year’s livelihood measure contrasts with last year’s focus on job provision and support for vulnerable groups. It appears to be a decision made in consideration of the economic contraction caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Accordingly, the government has prepared and is implementing a 'Lunar New Year Livelihood Measure' that prioritizes COVID-19 prevention.

On the 20th, the ruling party and government held a high-level meeting to finalize these details. First, 620 screening clinics and 70 infectious disease-dedicated hospitals nationwide will be operated to prevent medical gaps related to COVID-19. Additionally, living treatment centers will be operated continuously to provide isolation treatment for mild and asymptomatic patients.

Financial support for medical institutions will also be accelerated. To support facilities of private medical institutions operating screening clinics, 25.5 billion KRW will be promptly disbursed before the holiday. Furthermore, 24.1 billion KRW from the contingency budget will be spent by February to ensure that infectious disease-dedicated hospitals and base hospitals can smoothly treat COVID-19 patients.

The government is also making every effort to prepare for nationwide vaccination. Starting in February, vaccinations will begin with medical personnel and elderly residents of nursing hospitals and nursing facilities. The plan is to start vaccinations for the general adult population from the third quarter, aiming to establish nationwide immunity by November.

To prevent the resurgence of COVID-19, a 'Non-face-to-face Lunar New Year Campaign' will be launched. Instead of visits, events such as sending video letters or gifts will be held. Additionally, online memorial and ancestral rites services will be developed to continue spreading a quarantine-friendly Lunar New Year culture.

To support public safety, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters will operate 24 hours a day, and prevention of livestock infectious diseases such as avian influenza (AI) will continue. Accordingly, farm entrances, rivers, and reservoirs will be disinfected daily, and the AI mobile inspection team will be continuously operated.

Moreover, special inspections will be conducted on roads in freezing sections and places with concerns about large fires such as traditional markets. Inspections and training will be carried out targeting about 5,000 vulnerable workplaces, and special safety inspections on electricity and gas use will be promoted at multi-use facilities such as traditional markets and terminals.