[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the presidential transition committee, criticized the Moon Jae-in administration's COVID-19 quarantine measures on the 28th, calling them "irresponsible beyond complacency."
On the afternoon of the same day, at the COVID-19 Emergency Response Special Committee full meeting held at the transition committee office in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Chairman Ahn stated, "The daily maximum number of confirmed cases predictions were wrong, and the forecast for when the peak would occur was also incorrect."
He said, "Even though the COVID-19 situation has not been resolved, from the 1st of next month, the use of disposable products will be banned nationwide in cafes and restaurants," adding, "This means returning to the ban after temporarily allowing disposable products for two years."
Chairman Ahn raised his voice, saying, "In this case, customers will request disposable cups because they are concerned about COVID-19, and business owners will be afraid of fines, leading to disputes during persuasion. While I understand the intention to reduce household waste, I do not understand why this must be done now."
He continued, "I wonder if this is the result of desk-bound administration that does not understand the field situation and people's livelihoods," and argued, "It would be better to postpone the disposable cup regulations until COVID-19 subsides."
Chairman Ahn urged, "Please actively raise this issue in the relevant subcommittee of the transition committee," and requested, "Find solutions that help the public and self-employed people."
Regarding the appointment of the COVID-19 special committee, Chairman Ahn added, "Eight experts have been appointed," and "Tomorrow, the lineup of experts for the livelihood economy subcommittee will be completed, and a meeting is planned for Wednesday."
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