Prime Minister Kim: "Next Week's Social Distancing Level to Be Decided on the 6th... Need to Review Improvements Together"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office Building on August 4, 2021. Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 4th, "We will closely monitor the (COVID-19 confirmed) trend for another day or two, and decide on the social distancing level to be applied from next week at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting this Friday."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "Over the past month, we have implemented intensive quarantine measures nationwide," adding, "We need to review together whether there are any areas that need improvement in terms of the effectiveness of the quarantine."

He continued, "Each ministry and local government should comprehensively review the implementation status on the ground and actively propose improvement measures," urging, "Please find ways to further enhance the implementation capacity and acceptance on the ground."

Regarding the vaccine supply situation this month, Prime Minister Kim stated, "In August alone, 28.6 million doses of vaccines, exceeding the amount supplied so far, are scheduled to be introduced into the country," and announced, "Pre-registration for vaccination of those under their 40s, which will determine the success of '70% nationwide vaccination,' will begin next week." He also added, "We have secured funds for vaccine procurement for next year in this supplementary budget, and contract negotiations with pharmaceutical companies are underway."

Prime Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "The momentum of COVID-19 still shows no signs of easing," and "Since the vacation season is still ongoing and many people are returning from summer resorts, there is a high possibility that the spread will continue." He then urged, "Each ministry and local government should maintain vigilance and continue to devote all efforts to quarantine."