President Moon: "Return of Chinese Residents Starts Today... Requesting Understanding and Cooperation" (Update)

Emergency Convening of the 'Comprehensive Review Meeting on Novel Coronavirus Response'... President Moon's Opening Remarks Broadcast Live on TV

President Moon Jae-in salutes the national flag ahead of the comprehensive review meeting on the response to the novel coronavirus infection held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 30th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in said on the 30th, "The repatriation of about 700 Korean residents isolated in Wuhan, China, will begin today," and added, "The government will manage thoroughly to ensure that residents in areas where temporary living facilities are operated do not worry." Amid the global situation where countries are repatriating their nationals via chartered flights due to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) originating from China, the Korean government is taking measures and directly addressing the opposition from residents near the domestic quarantine areas.

At 10:30 a.m. on the same day, President Moon presided over the 'Comprehensive Review Meeting on Novel Coronavirus Response' at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "So far, among the local Korean residents, no confirmed or suspected cases of infection have been identified," and added, "According to consultations with the Chinese government, only those without symptoms after quarantine will board the temporary flights."

The facilities where the repatriated residents will be quarantined are government official training centers located in Asan, Chungnam, and Jincheon, Chungbuk. President Moon appealed to the nearby residents who are strongly opposing, saying, "I ask for your understanding and cooperation," and "I repeatedly promise that there is no need to be anxious."

He also said, "What we must confront is not only the virus. We must firmly confront excessive anxiety and vague fear," warning, "The production and distribution of fake news that incites distrust and anxiety is a serious criminal act that hinders quarantine efforts and jeopardizes public safety." Furthermore, he expressed concern about "excessive economic sentiment contraction" and urged officials from related ministries, "Please make every effort to manage the economic situation."

This meeting was an emergency session held instead of the originally scheduled indefinite postponement of the social sector-related ministries' work reports. Considering the public's concerns about the novel coronavirus situation, President Moon broadcast his opening remarks live. Government officials, including Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and ministers from related ministries, attended. Governors from all 17 cities and provinces nationwide participated via video conference.

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