Kwon Deok-cheol: "Variant Viruses Pose a Serious Threat to Quarantine... Full Efforts to Block Spread"

Opening Remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting on the 22nd

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kwon Deok-cheol, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), expressed concern, stating that "the COVID-19 variant virus is a serious threat to quarantine efforts." However, he emphasized that "the impact of the variant virus on domestic quarantine response is limited" and that "we will closely monitor the infection situation in the international community."

In his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 22nd, Deputy Head Kwon said, "Even countries currently showing the highest vaccination rates have seen warning signs of renewed infection spread due to the high transmissibility of the variant virus," adding, "Fortunately, scientific reports indicate that the current vaccinations can cope with the variant virus."

He continued, "Through the standardization of variant analysis techniques, local governments are now able to conduct variant testing, and we will continue to strengthen surveillance and analysis of variants," adding, "we will make every effort to block the spread of variants by continuing enhanced quarantine measures, including facility quarantine for entrants from high-risk countries."

Recently, the government announced a plan to revise the social distancing system, which will be applied from next month. Restrictions on private gatherings and operating hours have been eased based on autonomy and responsibility. Deputy Head Kwon said, "I believe that from July, when the revised plan is implemented, we can take a step closer to normal life," but also showed caution, stating, "There are both expectations and concerns regarding the revised plan."

He emphasized, "The new social distancing system revision must not lead to complacency," and added, "Like driving safely with two brakes, we must continue prevention efforts at a higher level than before through autonomous infection control and strong mutual cooperation."

To this end, he urged active participation in vaccination along with adherence to basic quarantine rules. Deputy Head Kwon said, "Adherence to basic quarantine rules and vaccination are the two pillars of safety measures that form the core of COVID-19 prevention behaviors," and stated, "To block risks that can come to us at any time and to regain our daily lives as soon as possible, I ask for strong and continuous adherence to quarantine rules and participation in vaccination."