Prime Minister Jeong: "Religious Community's Major Decision to Postpone Religious Events... Requesting Participation from Small and Medium Facilities"

"Iranian residents, about 80 people, return to Korea via temporary flight... Support stranded nationals in the area as much as possible"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 19th, "Yesterday, the religious community made a great decision to postpone religious events to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)," and added, "If there are small and medium-sized religious facilities still hesitating, I earnestly ask you to join us promptly."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for COVID-19 response at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "The Buddhist community decided to postpone the Buddha's Birthday celebration events, and the Protestant community decided to postpone the large-scale Easter parade."

Prime Minister Chung explained, "Yesterday marked one month since the 31st confirmed case, which was the starting point of the large-scale spread. About 90 new patients occurred in five nursing hospitals in Daegu City," adding, "This is another example showing that there is never a moment to be complacent in the battle against COVID-19."

He continued, "Small-scale group infections can ignite the flames of full-scale community spread," and noted, "Especially nursing facilities have many elderly and chronic patients vulnerable to the virus, so we cannot help but be more vigilant."

He further stated, "Relevant ministries and local governments are conducting thorough investigations of vulnerable facilities, and some local governments such as Gyeongsangbuk-do are even taking preventive cohort measures, but we must check once again whether there are any blind spots or gaps in quarantine," and urged, "Please pay special attention to whether quarantine principles are properly followed on site and whether protective equipment such as masks is properly provided to caregivers who must care for patients."

Prime Minister Chung also said, "This afternoon, about 80 of our compatriots residing in Iran will return to Korea via a temporary flight. The nation must be a pillar that citizens in crisis can rely on, and this is also the reason for the existence of the state," and requested, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should use all means, including consular assistance, to support our citizens who are isolated and facing difficulties overseas as much as possible."

In conclusion, Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "There is a forecast of sudden strong winds until tomorrow morning," and said, "I have been informed that preparations are already well underway, but please be careful to prevent damage to hospitals, residential treatment centers, and screening clinics with tents installed."

He added, "Please also carefully monitor everyday disasters such as wildfires caused by strong winds and unexpected safety accidents."

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