Lee Nak-yeon "For COVID Spread, Take Maximum Measures Allowed by Relevant Laws"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon emphasized on the 25th regarding Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji), which has been identified as a major cause of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), that "we must remember that the safety of Shincheonji affiliates also helps the normalization of other religious activities."

Lee, chairman of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 Disaster Safety Countermeasures Committee, said at the party-government-office meeting held at the party headquarters that day, "Urgent measures must be taken to the fullest extent permitted by relevant laws to prevent the spread of infectious diseases."

He continued, "The public is deeply concerned about the lives and safety of the believers and the possibility of infectious disease spreading related to them," adding, "We must reconsider that protecting the health and safety of the people is the reason for the existence of the state."

Regarding the government's decision to supply masks for free from overseas exports, he said, "While this is welcome, it may not be enough," and added, "New testing institutions should be added to diversify import sources, and production costs should be sufficiently guaranteed to steadily increase production. The supply chain must also be expanded so that everyone in need can purchase masks evenly."

Concerning the spread of COVID-19 in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, Lee said, "They are experiencing many pains and wounds that are difficult to measure, such as economic contraction, social isolation, and the emotional scars of the residents of Daegu and Gyeongbuk. It is time for all citizens to support Daegu and Gyeongbuk both materially and spiritually," and urged, "The government should also establish support measures without any shortcomings."

Lee emphasized, "It is still difficult to gauge the wounds and damages our society will suffer from the COVID-19 crisis. While promptly implementing the necessary support measures, future damages should also be anticipated and included in supplementary budgets," and stressed, "The participation of quarantine workers and medical staff is necessary to prevent the spread of infection in affected areas and to alleviate the suffering of patients."

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