[Full Text] Prime Minister Jeong: "Even a Strong Dam Can Collapse Due to a Small Ant Hole"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun said on the 21st regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "No matter how solidly a dam is built, it can collapse due to a small ant hole," adding, "Now is the time when drastic measures are urgently needed."

On the same day, at the Government Seoul Office, through a 'Statement on Strengthening Social Distancing,' Prime Minister Jeong stated, "There are fifteen days left until the start of the new school term. Since it has already been postponed three times, we cannot ask students to wait any longer."

Prime Minister Jeong emphasized, "To prevent further infringement on our children's right to learn, we must achieve definite results in quarantine during the remaining period."

The following is the statement.

Dear fellow citizens,

We are currently fighting an enemy called COVID-19.

A tiny virus invisible to our eyes

is greatly threatening the safety of the Republic of Korea.

Due to COVID-19, the daily lives of citizens have disappeared,

and students are unable to attend school.

Businesses are facing survival issues,

and the pain of self-employed and small business owners

is indescribably great.

It is not only us.

There is no longer any place on Earth

that is safe from COVID-19.

So far, over 230,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 149 countries, and countries around the world are hastily declaring states of emergency and taking drastic measures.

Many countries are enforcing strong measures to prevent spread, including forcibly restricting gatherings and religious events, limiting the operation of private businesses, and banning movement, engaging in an all-out battle.

Dear fellow citizens,

There are fifteen days left until the start of the new school term.

Since it has already been postponed three times,

we cannot ask students to wait any longer.

However, it is also difficult to push for school reopening recklessly when students' safety is threatened.

Now is the time when drastic measures are urgently needed.

No matter how solidly a dam is built,

it can collapse due to a small ant hole.

To prevent further infringement on our children's right to learn,

we must achieve definite results in quarantine during the remaining period.

Dear fellow citizens,

Many citizens are already enduring hardships and

participating in social distancing.

Our religious communities are also voluntarily canceling gatherings and

postponing large commemorative events, actively cooperating in the fight against COVID-19.

Thanks to such voluntary participation by citizens,

the number of new confirmed cases has gradually decreased.

Foreign countries are also recognizing our citizens' mature civic consciousness, the devoted efforts of medical staff, and our excellent medical system.

However, now is not the time to relax or

let our guard down.

As long as embers remain, we can never be assured.

Recently, sporadic infections have continued mainly in group facilities such as some churches, nursing hospitals, and call centers, and the risk of importation from overseas is increasing.

The government recognizes the next fifteen days as a decisive period to gain the upper hand in the war against COVID-19, and thus wishes to make several strong measures and a sincere request to the public.

First, we strongly recommend that religious facilities, indoor sports facilities, and entertainment venues, which have a high risk of group infection, suspend operations for the next fifteen days.

If operation is unavoidable,

facility-specific compliance measures must be strictly observed.

Second, if compliance measures are not followed,

we will directly issue administrative orders to prohibit gatherings and assemblies.

Third, if administrative orders are not obeyed,

we will actively take all possible legal measures, including facility closures and claims for damages.

Fourth, we ask citizens to refrain from using multi-use facilities for the next fifteen days.

Except for essential cases such as purchasing daily necessities,

please refrain from going out as much as possible, and postpone or cancel private group meetings, appointments, and travel.

Fifth, if you have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or cough, you should not go to work.

Activate telecommuting, and if you must go to work, please strictly follow necessary guidelines such as maintaining distance.

It will be difficult, but please understand that these are unavoidable measures to block community infection and regain our daily lives.

For the next fifteen days, we will calmly prepare for a new daily life.

We must change the way we work,

change the way children study,

and practice daily quarantine in every moment of life.

Openness and participation, autonomy and perseverance will ultimately prove to be stronger than COVID-19, and we must show and can show this.

Dear fellow citizens,

We deeply regret having to ask citizens who have already experienced great hardship over the past two months

to endure even greater sacrifices and inconveniences for the next fifteen days.

However, please do not forget that much stronger social distancing than now is necessary

to decisively curb the spread of COVID-19 and restore peaceful daily life to our children.

The government will mobilize all resources and means

to fight COVID-19 to the end.

Only the united hearts and active efforts of all citizens

can overcome this crisis.

We ask once again for your support and participation while encouraging each other.

Let us show the dignity of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you.

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