Prime Minister Jeong: "If More Public Intervention on Masks Is Needed, Prepare Measures Equivalent to a Rationing System"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 4th regarding the mask supply controversy, "If more public intervention is needed, we will prepare a supply plan equivalent to a rationing system."

Prime Minister Chung held a press conference at Daegu City Hall on the same day and stated, "If the public mask distribution network is not functioning properly, the government has no choice but to intervene further."

He explained, "Fundamentally, the government is making efforts to increase supply to meet public demand. If that is insufficient, we will prioritize supplying those who absolutely need it, such as medical personnel, and adjust the supply method so that the public feels it is fair."

Regarding the issue of making the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) an independent organization, Prime Minister Chung said, "A world-class quarantine control tower is necessary," and added, "It is a desirable development to make the KCDC an independent organization."

On the remarks about issuing infection-free certificates, he said, "I proposed it with the thought that business activities should not be disrupted," and added, "It was not an order; if the review finds it useful, it can be done, and if not, it can be discarded."

In response to a reporter's question about the shortage of hospital beds centered in Daegu, he replied, "It is not that confirmed patients could not be admitted because there were no empty rooms, but because there were no rooms suitable for the new infectious disease," and asked for understanding that "time is needed to prepare."

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