Prime Minister Kim: "During Seollal Holiday, Omicron is a Decisive Factor... Please Refrain from Family and Relatives Gatherings"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum requested on the 29th, the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday, "This five-day Lunar New Year holiday will be a variable that determines the scale of the Omicron outbreak," and urged, "Please refrain from unnecessary travel and hold back from gatherings with family or relatives, even if it is regrettable."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim wrote on his social media (SNS), "This year again, we face a Lunar New Year different from any other holiday, and I sincerely apologize to the people," adding, "Omicron spreads quickly and has many asymptomatic cases, so you could unknowingly become a transmitter," and emphasized again, "To break the chain of infection, minimizing meetings is the most important."

Prime Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "Although many people have postponed visiting their hometowns, quite a few are planning family gatherings and trips during the Lunar New Year holiday," and "There are daily reports that ski resorts and resorts are fully booked, and trains and flights to major tourist destinations are sold out." He added, "I fully understand how long people have suppressed and endured this, but my heart is heavy," and warned, "Despite the cooperation of the entire nation, the spread of Omicron is serious. Although expected, judging by the speed and increase, it is clearly a very grave situation."

Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "To block the fierce flames of Omicron that will expand after the Lunar New Year holiday, the government will make every effort to review and establish a new medical response system during the holiday period." He also encouraged, "Most quarantine officials and medical staff will probably continue their duties silently without rest during this holiday," and expressed "words of comfort and deep gratitude."

Prime Minister Kim expressed hope, saying, "Although the reality we face is not easy, we will overcome this once again," and added, "I hope we can get through this crisis together with the mindset of 'even if it is just me' rather than 'it doesn't matter if it's just me.'"