Yoo Seung-min "Stronger Entry Ban Measures Needed... University Semester Should Be Delayed to April"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Yoo Seung-min, Chairman of the Conservative Reconstruction Committee of the New Conservative Party, urged stronger measures on the 3rd, saying, "It is useless to ban entry only from Hubei Province when confirmed cases and deaths are already occurring outside Hubei Province in China."

Chairman Yoo attended a joint meeting of party leaders held at the National Assembly that morning and said, "The novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) is a contagious disease that no one has experienced before, and in such cases, basic manuals are unlikely to work. The government needs proactive and strong measures."

He said, "The public will not trust policies that only timidly follow what other countries do," adding, "Many countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy have already banned entry of foreigners who have been to China or Chinese nationals." He continued, "Twenty-three countries have issued lockdown orders against China, and 60 countries have imposed regulatory measures against China. Our country has the most active exchange with China, with an average of about 30,000 entrants per day, so it is impossible to prevent the spread of Wuhan pneumonia by only banning entry from Hubei Province."

Chairman Yoo said, "The fastest measures were taken by North Korea, a blood ally of China," and stated, "Contagious diseases like Wuhan pneumonia should be dealt with to an extent that might seem excessive, as President Moon Jae-in said." He added, "(The government) says it will introduce additional measures if necessary, but such a government is not needed because by then it will be too late." He also expressed serious concern about the issue of Chinese students who will enter in large numbers in February, coinciding with the new school semester in March, calling it urgent.

Yoo said, "In the next one to two weeks, a large number of Chinese students are expected to enter, and if they attend universities nationwide, can classes really proceed properly?" He urged, "The Ministry of Education should consult with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and come up with fundamental measures as soon as possible."

He requested, "Rather than regretting late, proactive measures must be taken to prevent this situation. The opening of all universities nationwide should be postponed until after April, and classes should be conducted through cyber lectures while monitoring the spread of Wuhan pneumonia. Even if it means canceling the spring semester, proactive measures for Chinese students must be taken."

Chairman Yoo also spoke about the role of the National Assembly, saying, "While actively supporting the executive branch's measures, it is also necessary to monitor and check whether the government is doing its job properly." He criticized, "Despite the government's delayed response, the National Assembly has done nothing, with the Health and Welfare Committee's briefing at the end of last month being the extent of its activity." He raised his voice, saying, "What are the two major parties doing? Relevant standing committees such as the Education Committee and the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee should be convened immediately to properly convey the public's concerns to the government and criticize it to urge proper measures."

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