COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 26th. 2021.2.26 Photo by Yonhap News
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 26th, "The government will discuss and finalize the plan to extend the current social distancing level for two more weeks starting next week," adding, "The 'ban on gatherings of five or more people' and business hour restrictions will also be maintained as they are."
Prime Minister Chung made these remarks while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office that morning, emphasizing, "We will strengthen responsibilities to ensure that quarantine rules are properly implemented on the ground." Regarding the anticipated revision of the social distancing system expected as early as next month, he said, "For sustainable quarantine, we will carefully observe the situation and prepare step by step."
Although there has been no rapid spread of COVID-19 after the Lunar New Year holiday, daily confirmed cases remain around 300 to 400, indicating the government’s intention to maintain current quarantine measures and monitor the situation for the time being. The government plans to announce the final decision after discussions at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters later that day.
Regarding the COVID-19 vaccination starting at nursing hospitals, nursing facilities, and public health centers nationwide from 9 a.m. that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "While the first vaccination is nerve-wracking, many people hold hopes and excitement to regain their daily lives as soon as possible. This is no different from the earnest wishes of the entire nation." He added, "The government will do its utmost to fulfill that wish as quickly as possible," and urged, "I repeatedly ask the public to join together with one heart and one mind."
Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "Although the long-awaited vaccination has taken its first step, there is still a long way to go until herd immunity is achieved," and warned, "If a resurgence begins before the majority of the population is vaccinated, medical resources will inevitably become insufficient." He especially noted, "If anxiety grows due to the spread of infection and people insist on getting vaccinated first, social conflicts may intensify," and urged, "Let us ensure vaccinations proceed smoothly in a stable situation and continue practicing participatory quarantine without change to smoothly advance the journey toward ending COVID-19."
As the three-day holiday from the upcoming weekend through March 1st begins, Prime Minister Chung urged, "Please refrain from meetings and contact," and repeatedly asked, "Let us strictly follow quarantine rules and join forces to bring forward a true 'spring of hope.'"
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