COVID-19 Confirmed Case Visited National Assembly, Closed Until 9 AM on 26th... First Time Ever (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The National Assembly will be closed until 9 a.m. on the 26th due to COVID-19. This follows the confirmation that a representative from the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations who attended a National Assembly forum on the 19th tested positive for COVID-19.

Han Minsu, the National Assembly spokesperson, held a press conference at the National Assembly Press Center on the afternoon of the 24th and stated, "We have decided to conduct a full disinfection of the Members' Office Building and the main building of the National Assembly," adding, "The disinfection will begin at 6 p.m. today." He continued, "Following recommendations that the disinfected area should remain closed for at least 24 hours to ensure effectiveness, the buildings will reopen at 9 a.m. on the 26th," and added, "During this period, essential National Assembly personnel will work at the Communication Center, which is about to open."

When asked if this was the first time the National Assembly had been closed, he replied, "I have not looked into it thoroughly, but to my knowledge, this has not happened before."

Due to the closure decision, the plenary session and standing committee meetings scheduled for the 25th are expected to be postponed. When asked if other meetings such as standing committee meetings would also be postponed, the spokesperson responded, "If alternative meeting locations are arranged, it would likely be the Members' Office Building." The plenary session originally scheduled for 2 p.m. that day had already been postponed.

The spokesperson also said, "We have advised the cancellation of all events scheduled to be held at the Members' Office Building today, and we will purchase additional fever detectors and unify the entrances to minimize infection risks."

However, regarding the schedule for discussions on the supplementary budget bill, the spokesperson said, "There have been no discussions on that today."

Han added, "Speaker Moon Hee-sang emphasized that the National Assembly must play an active role in alleviating public anxiety and urged everyone to do their best so that the Assembly can fulfill its fundamental duties."

Meanwhile, the forum that led to this National Assembly closure was held on the 19th at the Members' Office Building, hosted by Gwak Sang-do, a member of the Future United Party, titled "Moon Jae-in Government's Private School Reform Plan: What is the Problem?"

Ha Yoon-su, chairman of the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations who attended this forum, was diagnosed with COVID-19 two days later on the 21st. Concerns have been raised about possible infections among attendees including Floor Leader Shim, Representative Gwak, and Representative Jeon Hee-kyung. These lawmakers and their aides are currently undergoing COVID-19 testing. Results are expected as early as this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

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