Kim Sung-joo, Democratic Party Welfare Committee Secretary
Local Governments Have Autonomy in Quarantine Measures
But Without Sufficient Review
Only Causes Confusion on the Quarantine Front
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Regarding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's mention of independently introducing vaccines to achieve COVID-19 herd immunity, Kim Sung-joo, the Democratic Party whip of the Health and Welfare Committee, expressed concerns that it "could only disrupt the quarantine frontlines."
In response to a question from Bang Jae-yul (Democratic Party, Goyang 2), chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, during the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly plenary session the previous day about the province's measures to achieve COVID-19 herd immunity, Governor Lee said, "We are practically reviewing whether Gyeonggi Province can independently introduce and administer new vaccines developed and administered by other countries."
Regarding this, Representative Kim pointed out on Facebook, "Recently, the Seoul mayor hinted at extending operating hours for entertainment establishments, the Busan mayor said he would ease the ban on gatherings of five or more people, and the Gyeonggi governor is even considering independently introducing vaccines. It seems the era of 'quarantine free-for-all' has opened."
If quarantine policies issued by local governments are not made with sufficient review and readiness to take responsibility, the already difficult-to-maintain quarantine frontlines could be disrupted. Representative Kim criticized, "Impulsive events by some local government heads will only cause confusion among the public and foster distrust in quarantine policies, thereby creating obstacles to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis."
While acknowledging that local government heads have autonomy over quarantine measures and can implement various policies on their own, Representative Kim said, "However, if they do not proceed with sufficient review and readiness to take responsibility, but just mention something once and quietly back down, it will only disrupt the already fragile quarantine frontlines."
He added, "In crises involving new infectious diseases like COVID-19, it is important for the government, political circles, and local governments to deliver consistent messages and responses. Moreover, when local governments introduce new quarantine measures during times of high concern over COVID-19 resurgence, they should proceed cautiously in consultation with quarantine authorities, considering the subsequent ripple effects."
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