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 on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 16th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who has expressed his intention to resign to run in the next presidential election, presided over the final meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) for COVID-19 on the 16th and emphasized, "Even at this moment, I express my utmost respect to each and every citizen who endures the hardships of their livelihoods, sacrifices their precious daily lives, and joins forces in quarantine efforts," adding, "COVID-19 can never defeat Korea." It is known that Prime Minister Chung will resign immediately once his successor is appointed to prepare for the next presidential race.
During the morning meeting of the CDSCH at the Government Seoul Office, Prime Minister Chung said in his opening remarks, "The government will devote all its efforts so that the day we finally win this fierce war comes as soon as possible." He added, "I also extend my gratitude and encouragement to the medical staff and public officials nationwide who have steadfastly guarded the quarantine frontlines, whether in the biting cold of winter or under the scorching summer sun."
Since taking office in January last year, Prime Minister Chung has served as the head of the CDSCH, overseeing quarantine measures and vaccine distribution amid the COVID-19 crisis. The CDSCH held its 403rd meeting on this day.
Prime Minister Chung reflected, "Today marks the 453rd day since the first confirmed COVID-19 case," recalling, "We have passed through numerous crises, including the first wave in Daegu and Gyeongbuk last year, the second wave in August, and the third wave last winter when daily confirmed cases reached around 1,200." He expressed gratitude, saying, "Although we could not afford to relax even for a moment, thanks to the people who stood with us at every critical juncture, we have come this far."
He expressed concern, stating, "We are once again facing the critical point of the 'fourth wave'." He noted, "Some experts warn that this wave will be longer and more painful than any we have experienced so far." Nevertheless, he emphasized, "Through our past experiences, we know well how to overcome this crisis. The key is to practice what we know."
Prime Minister Chung stressed, "Although we could mechanically raise social distancing levels and uniformly shorten business hours to curb the spread, even at the expense of livelihoods, we must prioritize implementing quarantine strategies that somehow preserve the rekindling economic recovery and minimize the pain of the people," placing emphasis on 'economic recovery.'
Regarding recent concerns about vaccine supply instability and safety, he stated, "Various ministries will work as one to ensure there are no disruptions in vaccine supply," and pledged, "We will definitely achieve the goal of herd immunity by November." He added, "We will thoroughly verify safety," and noted, "For the Janssen vaccine, which has recently been subject to blood clot controversies, we will prepare vaccination plans prioritizing public safety by referring to the review results of various countries and expert opinions."
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