Jung Sye-kyun: "We will clearly investigate and disclose the causes of death in vaccine-related cases"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 4th. March 4, 2021. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 4th, "As COVID-19 vaccinations are gaining momentum, two patients hospitalized in nursing hospitals died after receiving the vaccine the day before," adding, "The government will clearly identify the cause of death according to the rapid response procedure for adverse reactions and transparently disclose the results."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "I ask everyone to trust the government and actively participate in the vaccination without hesitation." He added, "The government will take the lead and consolidate national capabilities for each citizen who earnestly hopes for the recovery of daily life and actively participates in vaccination."

Prime Minister Chung cited the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has been increasing again since last week, stating, "They point to premature easing of quarantine measures due to vaccination, the spread of variant viruses, and relaxed vigilance as the main causes." He continued, "If there is a country that relies solely on vaccines, it is making a mistake, emphasizing that quarantine measures must be implemented together to successfully overcome COVID-19."

He especially emphasized, "We must take seriously the warnings from many experts that the fourth wave may come at the end of March or early April, about one month after the start of vaccination." Prime Minister Chung said, "We must not let our guard down so that vaccination does not become a 'signal of complacency' leading to the realization of the fourth wave," and added, "Along with active participation in vaccination, I once again urge the public to thoroughly practice quarantine rules such as social distancing and wearing masks."