Health Authorities' 'Essential Guidelines' Amid Yoon Seok-yeol Prosecutor General's 'Bare-Handed Voting' Controversy

On February 13th, Yoon Seok-yeol, Prosecutor General, visited the Busan High and District Prosecutors' Offices.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and intern Heeun Park] As the 21st general election is held today (15th), there have been reports that Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol did not wear vinyl gloves during the voting process. Some have raised concerns that he may have violated quarantine guidelines by so-called 'bare-handed voting.'

According to health authorities, all voters participating in the general election must have their temperature checked at the polling station, sanitize their hands with disinfectant, and then wear disposable vinyl gloves provided by election officials on both hands. Additionally, the vinyl gloves must be discarded in a designated box at the exit after completing the voting procedure.

According to a media outlet, Prosecutor General Yoon arrived at the Wonmyeong Elementary School polling station in Seocho-gu, Seoul, around 9:20 a.m. wearing a mask, a gray jumper, and training pants to cast his vote. His wife, Kim Geon-hee, did not accompany him.

The report states that Yoon did not wear vinyl gloves when receiving the ballot and placing the marked ballot into the ballot box. This has led to criticism that he may have violated COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Earlier, Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, recommended on the 13th at a briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk that voters and election participants wear vinyl gloves during the voting process.

Jung explained, "Stamping the ballot with bare hands can contaminate other parts inside the voting booth, so it is inappropriate," adding, "Vinyl gloves should be removed when leaving after voting."

Regarding the so-called 'voting certification shots,' she said, "Stamping on vinyl gloves does not seem to significantly increase the risk of infection, but it is still inappropriate," and urged, "Please follow the guidelines for your own and your neighbors' health."

She continued, "Since the virus can spread through hand contact, masks, hand sanitizers, and vinyl gloves are provided at polling stations," emphasizing, "This must be strictly observed when voting."

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