Prime Minister Jeong: "Introduce Mask Registration System... Review Plans to Deploy Public Stockpiles"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on the 6th, regarding the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), said, "Please actively consider measures such as introducing a reporting system when sellers sell masks in bulk beyond a certain quantity, utilizing public distribution channels like public home shopping for supply, and deploying public stockpiles."

Prime Minister Chung attended the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for novel coronavirus response held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day and stated, "Public concern about mask supply continues."

He emphasized, "The related ministries, including the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the Fair Trade Commission, should once again review whether there are any improvements needed in the supply, distribution, and sales processes."

He continued, "Illegal activities detected through joint crackdowns will be strictly punished under the principle of zero tolerance, and I urge the public to actively report any illegal activities related to mask sales to the reporting centers operated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and local governments."

He also said, "Mass production of diagnostic kits started yesterday, and from tomorrow, private hospitals will be able to detect patients early. However, private medical institutions may suffer unexpected damages such as hospital closures or avoidance of patients if cases occur."

He then ordered, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare and related ministries should firmly prepare support measures for damages that may arise from private medical institutions actively participating in government quarantine efforts."

Prime Minister Chung also emphasized the role of local governments. He said, "Considering that the coronavirus has high infectivity even in mild cases and is spreading not only in China but also in many countries worldwide, it is urgent to establish a thorough quarantine network covering the entire local community, not just blocking domestic inflow. All regional medical resources, including public and private sectors, must be mobilized."

He added, "Expanding epidemiological investigators is also urgent. The Ministry of Health and Welfare should prepare a plan to establish an all-out quarantine management system in local communities, and local governments should actively cooperate with this."

Prime Minister Chung also expressed his intention to personally oversee the novel coronavirus response. He explained, "From now on, I will hold CDSCH meetings with ministers every Sunday, and attend CDSCH meetings like today every Wednesday and Friday to monitor the response situation. This is intended to check practical situations daily and encourage the field as long as my schedule permits."

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