Prime Minister Kim: "If the COVID-19 spread does not reverse, stronger measures will be considered"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is attending the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office Building on August 1, 2021. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 1st, "Due to the spread of the variant virus, the expected level of quarantine effectiveness is not appearing easily," and added, "If the spread does not reverse, the government cannot help but consider stronger quarantine measures."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "It has been three weeks since the nationwide quarantine level was raised, but infections in daily life are still continuing." He expressed concern, saying, "There is the Liberation Day holiday in two weeks, and if we fail to contain it here, we will face a greater crisis."

He also said, "Many violations are still occurring mainly in vacation spots where quarantine is lax," urging all ministries and local governments to conduct strong crackdowns and inspections. He further requested, "Since the vacation season is still ongoing, we must also be cautious about the interregional transmission and spread of the virus," and asked, "Citizens who feel even slightly abnormal after returning from vacation should first visit the nearest screening clinic."

Meanwhile, regarding the nationwide heatwave warning that has lasted for more than 20 days, he said, "Since the 2018 heatwave was officially included as a 'natural disaster,' we are facing the first crisis situation," expressing concern that "Unlike typhoons or heavy snow, heatwaves are quiet but cause much more widespread damage." The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast that the heatwave will continue this week as well.

Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "Disasters are much harsher on socially vulnerable groups," and urged, "Please frequently inspect vulnerable areas such as shantytowns and outdoor sites to prevent casualties from the heatwave." He added, "Please also ensure the safety of national infrastructure such as power grids, railroads, and roads, and make thorough efforts to prevent and support damage in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries."