Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun: "We will verify areas outside Hubei Province, China, and take necessary measures"

Export Companies, Tourism Industry, and Small Business Support Policies Announced
Strong Commitment to Combat Fake News Increasing Public Anxiety

A high-level meeting between the ruling party, government, and Blue House was held at the National Assembly on the 5th to discuss the novel coronavirus. On this day, the ruling party, government, and Blue House reviewed the current quarantine situation and discussed quarantine responses and economic support measures. Attending the meeting were Kim Sang-hee, Special Committee Chair for the Novel Coronavirus Countermeasures of the Democratic Party of Korea (from left), Cho Jung-sik, Policy Committee Chair, Yoon Ho-jung, Secretary-General, Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Chung Sye-kyun, Prime Minister, Lee Hae-chan, Party Leader, Lee In-young, Floor Leader, Kim Sang-jo, Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy, Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] "We will not only closely monitor Hubei Province in China but also the surrounding areas to take necessary measures between the two countries, and if needed, we will support testing even for those who are not entering China."

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated this on the 5th at a high-level party-government-office meeting held at the National Assembly regarding the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), saying, "The current crisis alert level is at the caution stage, but we are responding as if it were the highest level, the severe stage." He added, "We will thoroughly prepare for any possible additional spread and the potential prolongation of the situation." The government has banned entry of all foreigners who have visited Hubei Province in China within the past two weeks starting from midnight on the 4th.

He also announced support policies for export companies, the tourism industry, and small business owners. Prime Minister Chung said, "Protecting the safety of the people is of utmost importance," but also stated, "We will carefully examine the economic impact and prepare countermeasures." He added, "We will prioritize preparing support measures for those expected to suffer direct damage."

He expressed a strong commitment to combating fake news. Prime Minister Chung said, "One piece of fake news causes many citizens to feel anxious and confused, which also hinders quarantine measures," and added, "The government will strictly respond to prevent the production and distribution of fake news."

He requested bipartisan cooperation from the political circles. Prime Minister Chung earnestly asked, "I sincerely request that the ruling and opposition parties join forces to prepare measures and legislation to overcome these difficulties," and urged, "Please promptly convene the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly and expedite the passage of the Quarantine Act and Medical Service Act."

Furthermore, he emphasized, "In addition, there are urgent laws that can no longer be delayed, such as those related to civil vitality, child safety, police reform, and resolving constitutional inconsistencies," and said, "I hope these urgent laws will be passed through this February National Assembly session so that benefits can be delivered to the people."

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