Shin Sang-jin: "Ban on Chinese Entry Is Delayed... Need to Consider Timing"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Shin Sang-jin, a member of the Liberty Korea Party who is serving as the task force (TF) chairman on the novel coronavirus infection, commonly referred to as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' stated that the proposed measure to ban Chinese nationals from entering the country is "somewhat delayed."

On the 29th, Shin appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "When this issue was explosively emerging in China, initial measures should have been taken, but now more than 6,400 Chinese nationals have already entered the country."

Shin said, "The novel coronavirus outbreak in China occurred at the end of last year, and only now are we hearing news about charter flights for our citizens," evaluating that "the government mishandled the initial response." Referring to cases in the United States and others, he estimated that among the 6,400 people, about 15 to 30 might be infected, adding, "It is worth considering an immediate entry ban." This means that since infected individuals have already entered the country, imposing an entry ban now would be ineffective.

Shin stated, "If the World Health Organization (WHO) declares a global emergency, we can impose entry bans in accordance with international standards, but this does not meet global standards," and added, "We should prepare more on this issue but consider the timing carefully before implementation."

He also urged respect for the opinions of experts and officials from relevant ministries and requested that the Blue House refrain from issuing directives. Shin said, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should originally take responsibility as the control tower, but if various ministries and the Blue House issue political directives without taking responsibility, it causes confusion among the experts in charge. While the Blue House may want to do everything to avoid political responsibility, it is important for the Blue House to provide manpower, budget support, and conditions to address shortcomings centered on the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and to strengthen such support."

Regarding claims within the party that the Blue House should act as the control tower, he said, "What the party means is that the control tower should coordinate and support things that the Ministry of Health and Welfare cannot handle alone," emphasizing, "It should not be a control tower that issues orders and directives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.