Government Fails to Conclude Strengthened Quarantine Measures... Announcement of Youth Quarantine Pass Also Delayed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The government discussed strengthening quarantine measures on the 25th to respond to the worsening domestic COVID-19 situation but failed to reach a conclusion. Accordingly, the scheduled announcement of the quarantine measures on the 26th was also postponed.

A government official stated, "Based on today's meeting of the Recovery Support Committee, we intended to assess the COVID-19 risk situation and prepare response measures, but additional discussions with related ministries, industries, and organizations are necessary," adding, "The announcement of the quarantine measures has been postponed to a later date."

On the morning of the same day, the government held the 4th COVID-19 Recovery Support Committee meeting at the annex of the Government Seoul Office to discuss quarantine measures in response to the COVID-19 situation. Based on the discussions, it was planned to decide and announce additional strengthened quarantine measures after the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 26th.

It is known that the Recovery Support Committee discussed accelerating additional vaccinations for the elderly and expanding the quarantine pass (proof of vaccination completion or negative test) to children and adolescents under 18. They also reportedly reviewed measures to complete additional vaccinations for those aged 60 and above within next month and to block breakthrough infections until the immunity of the elderly is enhanced.

However, despite these discussions, the government was unable to reach a conclusion in time for the scheduled announcement, leading to speculation that differences of opinion within the government or between related organizations and industries have not been reconciled.

In fact, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business issued a statement on the same day declaring strong opposition if the government expands the application of the quarantine pass, reflecting strong resistance within the industry to the move to strengthen quarantine measures. The government cannot ignore the potential damage that such strengthened measures would cause to these groups.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a back briefing, "What is certain in the current situation is that severe cases are increasing due to breakthrough infections among the elderly," adding, "The most prioritized measure to block this is the rapid completion of additional vaccinations."