Government: "COVID-19 Spreading in Neighboring Countries... Proactive Measures for Possible Resurgence"

Vaccination Period Extended Until the End of June

The government has decided to take a proactive approach, including regularly checking emergency medical response systems, as COVID-19 has recently been spreading in neighboring countries such as Hong Kong and China.

Lee Hankyung, the Second Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Director General for Disaster and Safety Management at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), held a meeting at the Government Complex Sejong on May 30 and stated, "Taking into account the current outbreaks in neighboring countries and the increase in patient numbers during last summer, we will take preemptive measures to prepare for a possible resurgence of COVID-19 this summer."

Yonhap News Agency

Lee expressed concern, saying, "The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is increasing in some neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, China, and Thailand. We will closely monitor both domestic and international trends and maintain our vigilance to ensure that the spread of the virus abroad does not lead to domestic transmission, while continuing to uphold our quarantine system."

In preparation for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak within the country, the government will also establish medical and regional cooperation systems. Lee stated, "To prepare for a potential domestic spread, we will regularly inspect emergency medical response systems, such as emergency rooms, to ensure that severe patients can receive prompt treatment, and we will maintain close cooperation with local governments."

To prepare for an increase in COVID-19 cases during the summer, the vaccination period has been extended until the end of June. Lee said, "Since vaccination can prevent severe illness and death, we urge seniors aged 65 and older, as well as residents of facilities vulnerable to infection, to get vaccinated even now. We also ask relevant ministries and local governments to provide the public with detailed information about the current COVID-19 situation and the effectiveness of vaccination."

He added, "When traveling to countries experiencing outbreaks, please follow infectious disease prevention guidelines, and if you have any suspicious symptoms upon entry, report them to airport quarantine officers. We strongly urge everyone to thoroughly follow respiratory infection prevention measures in daily life, such as washing hands, practicing proper cough etiquette, and wearing masks."