Posted on Facebook... "The most at risk if you don't get vaccinated is yourself"
Emphasizing the inevitability of phased daily recovery... "Small business owners have sacrificed for the community"
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is delivering a speech at Michuhol District Office in Incheon, which he visited on the 10th to report on COVID-19 Omicron prevention measures and conduct an on-site inspection. Photo by Kim Hyun-min, Incheon kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 11th regarding the controversy over applying the youth quarantine pass, "It is a system to protect the unvaccinated," adding, "The most at risk if you do not get vaccinated is yourself."
On the same day, Prime Minister Kim posted on Facebook, stating, "The most certain way to avoid the risk of COVID-19 is the quarantine pass."
He emphasized, "For those without the 'shield' of antibodies, the best option is to avoid risky places at least until they can hold a new shield," adding, "And this shield must be held by youths as well."
Prime Minister Kim added, "The infection and fatality rates are very low among third-year high school students who have almost completed vaccination and second-year students. The reason youth vaccination is necessary is clear."
He said, "We know very well that the government might be criticized. We agonized repeatedly, and most knew that not applying the quarantine pass would honestly avoid criticism and be easier. However, the government could not risk the lives of our youths just to receive less criticism."
Regarding the question, "After the phased return to normal life, is it a big problem that severe cases appeared more than expected?" Kim replied, "Honestly, yes." He continued, "If we had stayed only within the 'defense line' of social distancing, there would have been limits to enduring. If you stay trapped inside a besieged fortress, it is natural that supplies run out."
He also said, "Those who endured the pain were small business owners and self-employed. They sacrificed and endured for the entire community," adding, "However, it cannot continue indefinitely," explaining that the phased return to normal life was inevitable.
On the issue of securing hospital beds and the need for spare beds, Prime Minister Kim said, "I hope this opportunity will trigger discussions on the necessity of public healthcare." Regarding criticisms that quarantine guidelines are inconsistent, he said, "It is impossible to have a clear-cut standard. Many factors must be considered, such as transmission speed and the rate of severe cases."
Kim stated, "Some people suggest a strict lockdown for a few weeks. If absolutely necessary, that could be done," but added, "However, that would be like a carpet bombing, sacrificing our own side as well." He also emphasized, "COVID-19 patients, small business owners, and self-employed individuals?each and every one is a precious citizen. We cannot sacrifice our people just to decisively control COVID-19."
Prime Minister Kim appealed again, saying, "Even if we are criticized, we are struggling every moment to balance quarantine and the economy without lying, doing our best to overcome this frontline."
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