Prime Minister Jeong: "First Case of African Swine Fever in Wild Boars Outside the Metropolitan Fence...Urgent Special Measures Needed"

"Unable to Agree on Important Medical Schedule... Request Prompt Processing of Bills"
"Tonight, 3rd Charter Flight Departs for China... Urging Support for Safety of Korean Residents"
"New Coronavirus, Need Thorough Quarantine but Excessive Anxiety Causes Economic Contraction"

On the 11th, cabinet members attending the Cabinet meeting held via video conference with the Sejong Government Complex at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are listening attentively to Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's opening remarks. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 11th, regarding the discovery of an African Swine Fever (ASF) infected wild boar 1.7 km south of the wide-area fence in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, "This is the first case of crossing the wide-area fence, and urgent special measures are needed to prevent further spread."

Prime Minister Chung presided over the Cabinet meeting at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day and said, "The Ministry of Environment should swiftly identify the route of occurrence, fully focus on measures to block the wild boars' eastward and southward movement, including establishing additional containment lines, thoroughly reinforcing natural boundary sections, and significantly strengthening carcass searches and capture efforts."

He also urged, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs should thoroughly enforce quarantine measures at pig farms to prevent transmission to farms."

Prime Minister Chung continued, "Although the ruling and opposition parties have agreed to convene the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly, they have yet to agree on the important legislative schedule," adding, "The domestic and international situation is very difficult due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). The government is mobilizing all policy means, but many matters require support through legislative amendments."

He further emphasized, "I earnestly ask the National Assembly to promptly process bills with consideration for the national economy and the people," and requested, "Ministers should personally explain the bills to ruling and opposition lawmakers and seek their cooperation to ensure successful legislation."

Prime Minister Chung also delivered a message regarding the novel coronavirus. He explained, "The 'Emergency Supply Adjustment Measures for Health Masks and Hand Sanitizers' will be submitted at today's Cabinet meeting. Once implemented, manufacturers and sellers of masks and hand sanitizers must compulsorily report production and inventory volumes until the end of April."

He added, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and related agencies should actively promote this at the frontline to prevent confusion," and "Strict measures should be taken against illegal activities."

Furthermore, he mentioned, "Tonight, the third chartered flight will depart for China to bring back our compatriots and their families still remaining in Wuhan," and requested, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should closely coordinate with the Chinese government to support the safe boarding of our compatriots."

Prime Minister Chung expressed, "Recently, due to the novel coronavirus, consumer sentiment has contracted, causing many difficulties in related industries such as food, lodging, and tourism," and stated, "While we must maintain vigilance and thorough quarantine, the economy must not shrink due to excessive anxiety."

He urged, "Ministers should visit the field directly to reassure the public and actively communicate that the government is working to manage the current situation stably."

He also specially requested, "Our ministers should lead by example by visiting traditional markets, nearby restaurants, and local shops with their staff to actively promote consumption," and said, "I have planned to have lunch at a local restaurant today. I ask the ministers to set an example as well."

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