"Infectious Disease Crisis is a Nationwide Issue... Unified Voice Needed on Key Quarantine Rules"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the average daily number of COVID-19 confirmed cases exceeded 600 in the past week, the government stated that it is still too early to consider strengthening business hour restrictions. Regarding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's push for a "Seoul-style social distancing," the government said, "As before, we will discuss reasonable measures from a quarantine perspective while respecting the autonomy of local governments through consultation."
Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, said at a COVID-19 briefing on the 12th, "We will first apply the level 2 social distancing measures and monitor the situation further before considering strengthening business hour restrictions. Since it is the first day of application, it is too early to discuss this starting today."
Earlier, on the 9th, the government announced a three-week extension of the current social distancing levels, with level 2 in the metropolitan area and level 1.5 in non-metropolitan areas. It also stated that if the number of confirmed cases worsens, business hour restrictions for multi-use facilities could be strengthened to 9 p.m.
Regarding Seoul City's recent move to establish independent quarantine guidelines, Yoon said, "We have not yet received a draft, but there was talk that Seoul City would prepare a draft and consult with the CDSCH." He explained, "Since local governments have coordinated and announced special measures through the CDSCH after social distancing announcements, Seoul City is expected to follow the same procedure."
Yoon emphasized, "Local government heads and provincial governors have the legal authority to issue independent orders on quarantine rules such as social distancing. However, infectious disease crises are nationwide issues, not limited to specific local governments. In a country like ours, with a dense population and small area, it is important for the central and local governments to act in unison." He added, "Considering that Seoul is part of the metropolitan area, especially regarding core quarantine rules, local governments have traditionally announced unified measures through consultation rather than voicing separate opinions. We will maintain this basic approach in discussions with Seoul City."
Son Young-rae, head of the CDSCH social strategy team, also said, "We are currently discussing matters practically with Seoul City. While consultations between Seoul City and the central government are important, sharing and consulting with other local governments is also crucial."
Meanwhile, on the same day, Seoul City announced it would actively consider a pilot project using rapid antigen test kits independently of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's approval. In response, Yoon said, "The government is also actively reviewing the application of self-test kits. Seoul City's active consideration of a pilot project would be possible after approval is granted."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
