Lee In-young "Government Must Prepare for Worst-Case Scenario and Respond Fully... Push to Amend Quarantine Act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that the quarantine law amendment bill will be processed at the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). He urged the government to "prepare for the worst-case scenario and respond with full force."

At the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 31st, Floor Leader Lee said, "The Democratic Party will push for the amendment of the quarantine law to respond to the novel coronavirus situation," adding, "We will coordinate with the opposition parties on the schedule for the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly for this purpose."

The quarantine law amendment bill, which focuses on strengthening the quarantine system, has passed the Health and Welfare Committee, the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly, but is currently pending in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Although the ruling and opposition parties agreed on the 30th to hold an extraordinary session, the schedule has not yet been set.

Floor Leader Lee said, "We will also promote high-level consultations among the party, government, and Blue House to respond organically to any issues that arise swiftly," and added, "The party's special task force on the novel coronavirus countermeasures will also be fully activated."

He emphasized, "Currently, one quarantine officer is responsible for screening about 105,000 people, which is the current state of the quarantine system," and stressed, "The most urgent matter now is to increase quarantine personnel." He continued, "Although 35,000 military and police personnel have been deployed, it is still insufficient. If a budget related to quarantine is necessary, please actively consider (budget allocation)."

Floor Leader Lee urged, "I hope the government prepares for the worst-case scenario and responds with full force." He also said, "The government has decided to cover all costs for novel coronavirus testing and medical fees, including patient co-payments and non-reimbursable medical expenses," and requested, "We also ask the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for emergency use approval to establish a rapid testing system by next week."

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