Oh Se-hoon Urges Approval of 'Rapid Diagnostic Kits' at Cabinet Meeting... Moon "Sufficient Communication with Seoul City"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, attending the Cabinet meeting for the first time, urged the approval of COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kits. In response, the government expressed concerns that positive cases might test negative, raising fears of COVID-19 spread, but stated it would expedite the review process. President Moon Jae-in instructed relevant ministries to "communicate thoroughly with Seoul City."

At the end of the Cabinet meeting on the 13th, Mayor Oh obtained the floor to call for the approval of rapid diagnostic kits and the reassessment of real estate official prices.

Mayor Oh conveyed the difficulties faced by small business owners and self-employed individuals, saying, "It is hard to maintain the current quarantine system as is. We need a paradigm shift through new attempts and ideas," and urged, "I call on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to approve the use of rapid diagnostic kits as soon as possible."

He continued, "To alleviate the rapidly increasing burden on citizens due to the rise in official real estate prices, amendments to related laws and improvements in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's system are necessary," and requested, "I ask for interest and cooperation so that local governments can have authority and participate in the process of determining prices for multi-family housing."

The government expressed concerns about side effects. Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol said, "Self-diagnostic kits have the advantage of speed, but positive cases can test negative," and warned, "If those who test negative despite being positive remove masks and do not observe social distancing, there is a risk of COVID-19 spread," emphasizing that self-diagnostic kits should only be supplementary tools. Minister of the Interior and Safety Jeon Hae-cheol also said, "If local governments come up with new ideas, please consult with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters," expressing concern that "without consultation, it could cause confusion in quarantine measures."

Kim Gang-rip, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said, "According to the approval standards we announced in mid-March, the positive rate for self-test kits is 90% when positive patients are tested," and added, "If side effects are fully considered and consultations are held with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, we expect these kits to be used effectively. We will speed up the review process."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, attending a video Cabinet meeting chaired by President Moon Jae-in for the first time, is entering the Government Seoul Office Building on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding the reassessment of official real estate prices, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byun Chang-heum said, "I agree with the direction and intent," but added, "Local governments are already consulted when determining official prices." He emphasized that the 2.4 Plan is also based on cooperation with local governments and the private sector.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki stated, "Some local governments have raised issues claiming miscalculations in official prices, but the Korea Real Estate Board calculates prices through a full survey of 14.21 million houses according to the Real Estate Price Publicity Act," and rebutted, "The government has no room to arbitrarily manipulate prices, and the official price realization rate is still not sufficiently reflected."

In response, Mayor Oh said, "Your positive and in-depth opinions greatly help in making judgments. I sincerely thank you," and added, "We need to maximize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of diagnostic kits and review them. Seoul City will prepare a plan this week and propose it to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters next week." Regarding the official price issue, he said, "The rate of increase is rapid," and "If official prices rise and taxes increase, disposable income decreases, which is undesirable in terms of economic effects."

After listening to the discussion, President Moon said, "The Seoul Mayor made proposals and relevant ministries responded, but it cannot be said that sufficient communication occurred with just summarized proposals and brief answers," and instructed, "Please ensure thorough communication between Seoul City and relevant ministries even after the Cabinet meeting."

He continued, "Whether it is COVID-19 quarantine or real estate issues, Seoul accounts for the largest share," and said, "Since solving problems starting from Seoul is essential for nationwide solutions, please strive for sufficient communication so that each ministry and Seoul City can share the same stance."