Health Authorities: "WHO Emergency Measures Already Implemented... Considering Additional Actions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC), domestic health authorities have effectively entered an all-out war mode. While health authorities are already taking measures equivalent to an emergency, they are considering additional actions.

Immediately after WHO declared the emergency at an emergency committee meeting held at its Geneva office in Switzerland on the afternoon of the 30th (local time), health authorities began urgent actions. Lee Seon-gyu, Director of the Crisis Analysis and International Cooperation Division at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "Health authorities are proactively responding at a level equivalent to an emergency" and "If there are areas to strengthen further, we will take measures." Earlier, after the first confirmed case was reported on the 20th, the infectious disease crisis alert was issued at the 'Level Ro,' and after the fourth confirmed case on the 27th, it was raised to 'Level Gyeonggye' (caution). Health authorities are making every effort, including emergency responses from early morning, in relation to the WHO emergency declaration.

Along with the emergency declaration, WHO did not recommend restrictions on trade and movement. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, also stated, "There is no reason to implement measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade," and "We call on all countries to implement consistent decisions based on evidence."

WHO stipulates that recommendations are obligations for "member states." If deficiencies are found due to improper implementation, WHO may point out the need to supplement the response system.

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