Heo Seok, Mayor of Suncheon, Appeals for Restraint in Religious Events to Prevent COVID-19

Urgent Request to Suspend Religious Events with Large Gatherings Such as Worship Services

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] As COVID-19 is spreading nationwide, religious events have become a major source of infections.

Heo Seok, mayor of Suncheon, issued an appeal asking religious organizations in the area to refrain from holding religious events to prevent local COVID-19 infections.

In his appeal, Mayor Heo stated, “Although Suncheon has only one confirmed case, the entire country is connected as a daily living zone, exposing all of us to the risk of infection anytime and anywhere,” and added, “While the religious community is doing well despite difficulties, I earnestly request once again to refrain from religious events such as Sunday worship until the situation calms down.”

He also said, “Suncheon is mobilizing all local resources to protect citizens’ lives and is making every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” and urged cooperation from the religious community, noting, “Considering the global pandemic trend, the next 2 to 3 weeks are a truly critical period for overcoming COVID-19.”

Suncheon City sent letters containing Mayor Heo’s appeal to about 400 churches in the area.

Meanwhile, on February 25, Mayor Heo requested religious leaders of local churches and temples to refrain from religious events during a meeting, and local Buddhist temples and Catholic churches have suspended religious events such as ceremonies and masses since around February 20.

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