During Lunar New Year Holidays, Quarantine for Arrivals from China Strengthened... 'Drunk Driving Crackdown' Also Emerges

Seolnal Safety and Security Measures 'Dangjeong Meeting' Held
"Emergency Medical Institutions and Facilities Operate 24 Hours"

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Youngwon Kim] On the 17th, the ruling party and the government held a meeting on safety and security measures for the Lunar New Year and discussed measures related to medical care, fire safety, and COVID-19 prevention.

Seong Il-jong, the Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, stated at a briefing after the meeting, "I specially ordered that there be no gaps in emergency medical services during the Lunar New Year period," adding, "410 emergency medical institutions and 115 emergency medical facilities will operate 24 hours a day as usual."

Seong Il-jong, Chairman of the Policy Committee of the People Power Party, is attending the floor countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Chairman Seong explained, "Regarding fire safety, a special alert duty period has been set until January 25th to strengthen safety management and inspections at traditional markets nationwide, nursing hospitals, and other locations."

He continued, "Due to the serious situation of COVID-19 originating from China, we have also requested strengthened quarantine measures for arrivals from China," and said, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has decided to further enhance quarantine measures at rest areas, drowsy driving shelters, railway stations, airplanes, and passenger ships."

He also mentioned that, following a report from the National Police Agency about a significant increase in drunk driving accidents during the Lunar New Year holiday, special requests were made and corresponding measures will be taken. Chairman Seong said, "There are many traffic accident hotspots, and we have requested concentrated police deployment in these areas," adding, "Due to a fire accident in a soundproof tunnel, inspections and preemptive measures have been requested."

Chairman Seong stated, "During the holiday period, highway undercover patrols will be strengthened, and the government will prepare to prevent traffic difficulties by deploying drones and helicopters."

He also conveyed that requests were made regarding insurance-related measures, such as shortening insurance company dispatch times in case of accidents.