[Breaking News] National Assembly Decides on Disinfection, Closes on 25th... Reopens at 9 AM on 26th

The COVID-19 alert level was raised to the highest 'Severe' stage, and with reports that a confirmed COVID-19 patient attended a parliamentary forum, all National Assembly schedules, including the plenary session scheduled for the 24th, were canceled or postponed. The National Assembly plenary hall is empty on the 24th. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Disinfection and quarantine of the National Assembly Members' Office Building and the Main Building will be conducted, and they will be closed until 9 a.m. on the 26th.

Han Min-su, spokesperson for the National Assembly, stated in an emergency briefing on the 24th, "Since a participant in an event held at the Members' Office Building on the 19th was confirmed to have COVID-19, we have decided to carry out a full disinfection of the Members' Office Building and the Main Building."

This action is based on provisions in the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act that allow for temporary closure or disinfection of places recognized as contaminated with pathogens. The disinfection will begin at 6 p.m. on the same day, and the Main Building and Members' Office Building will be closed on the 25th. They will reopen at 9 a.m. on the 26th.

During this period, essential National Assembly personnel will work in the newly constructed building 'Sotonggwan,' which is about to open. Access for outsiders, except for essential personnel, will be strictly restricted.

This schedule was finally decided by National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, after consultations with the leaders of the three major negotiating groups of the ruling and opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the United Future Party. The plenary session on the 25th will also not be held.

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