COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 19th. 2021.10.19 Photo by Yonhap News
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum appealed on the 19th, a day before the general strike announced by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), saying, "This general strike will never help the safety of our community and is nothing but an irresponsible act," and "I strongly urge the KCTU leadership one last time. Please withdraw the general strike even now."
On the same day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 at the Government Complex Sejong and said, "Considering the earnest wishes and expectations of the people for the recovery of daily life, I repeatedly request a proactive change in position."
Prime Minister Kim said, "At this critical time when the entire nation is united to prepare for the recovery of daily life, the KCTU is not yielding in its stance to proceed with the general strike tomorrow," and "Many citizens are concerned about the nationwide simultaneous rallies and demonstrations announced by the KCTU."
He warned, "If the general strike is enforced, the government will clearly state that it has no choice but to respond strictly according to laws and principles, regardless of status, to protect the safety of the community." He added, "If any rallies or demonstrations that undermine quarantine measures occur in any form, the government will document each scene and hold everyone legally accountable without exception until the end."
With the implementation of the 'Phased Recovery of Daily Life (With Corona)' scheduled for next month, Prime Minister Kim said, "I believe that the quarantine situation over the next two weeks will determine the starting point for our community's recovery of daily life," and "The vaccination completion rate is expected to exceed 70% of the entire population around this weekend, and the number of confirmed cases has recently slightly decreased, which is hopeful." However, he added, "Only by managing quarantine stably until next week can we take the first step toward the phased recovery of daily life that everyone desires," and urged, "All ministries and local governments should maintain vigilance and do their best to strengthen the on-site enforcement of quarantine measures."
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