Prime Minister Kim: "Quarantine indicators worsening faster than expected... Possibility of last year's crisis recurrence"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 10th. 2021.11.10 Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum expressed concern on the 10th, saying, "Several quarantine indicators such as the number of critically ill patients and deaths, and the infection reproduction number are deteriorating faster than expected, which makes me anxious," and added, "With gatherings becoming more active toward the end of the year and seasonal factors added, the possibility of a crisis situation similar to the end of last year cannot be ruled out."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office and said, "Since the implementation of Step 1 of the gradual recovery of daily life, gatherings and activities have rapidly increased, spreading infections mainly among the elderly with weakened immunity and adolescents who are still slow to get vaccinated."

This Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting was the first chaired by Prime Minister Kim since the implementation of Step 1 of the 'gradual recovery of daily life' starting from the 1st of this month. As quarantine indicators rapidly worsened due to increased mobility following eased quarantine measures, the meeting aimed to urge the public to adhere to basic quarantine rules again. Prime Minister Kim said, "Since the gradual recovery of daily life was hard-earned, we all need to unite and take one more step forward," and emphasized, "I once again urge the public to wear masks, ventilate regularly, and actively undergo diagnostic testing." He added, "The government will also remain vigilant and do its utmost to maintain quarantine measures until the end."

Regarding the government's implementation of the vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system (quarantine pass), Prime Minister Kim stated, "There have been some conflicts and confusion at certain sites, and debates over discrimination, but I believe we are gradually adapting," emphasizing, "It is an unavoidable measure chosen to protect the unvaccinated and ensure the safety of users in high-risk facilities," and requested the public's understanding and cooperation.

Meanwhile, with the college entrance exam (Suneung) just a week away, Prime Minister Kim instructed the education authorities, "Please prepare thoroughly so that examinees can safely take the exam even if they are confirmed positive or quarantined until the day before the exam," and directed, "Work closely with local governments to extend the operation of screening clinics, manage exam sites for confirmed and quarantined individuals, and conduct thorough inspections and preparations until the very end."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.