Prime Minister Jeong: "This Golden Holiday Will Be a 'Litmus Test'"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response held on the 27th at the Seoul Situation Center in the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 27th that the upcoming golden holiday, lasting up to six days from Buddha’s Birthday (April 30) to Children’s Day (May 5), will serve as a litmus test to gauge whether our society has the capacity to harmoniously balance quarantine measures and daily life.

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office, Prime Minister Chung presided over the session and stated, “This week marks the final hurdle as we transition to social distancing in daily life, with the golden holiday beginning. It is said that flights, trains, and major tourist destinations are almost fully booked.”

He urged, “Wherever you go, please strictly adhere to quarantine guidelines once again,” and requested local governments such as Jeju-do and Gangwon-do to maintain vigilance and prepare thoroughly for quarantine measures.

Prime Minister Chung also expressed, “Alongside the implementation of social distancing in daily life, we are reviewing the reopening of schools for our children. The safety of children is non-negotiable, but at the same time, we cannot keep students confined at home indefinitely while waiting for an uncertain end to COVID-19,” revealing his frustration.

He added, “As was the case when deciding on online school openings, it is important to consider the opinions of the education sector, local communities, and parents. The time to decide on transitioning to social distancing in daily life is approaching, so there is not much time left. Preparation time must also be taken into account.”

Furthermore, he explained, “If schools reopen, there are many things that frontline schools must prepare for. Teachers need to decide whether to wear masks during classes, how to maintain physical distancing, and how to ensure hygiene during school meals. These detailed matters cannot be overlooked. The consensus on the ground is that at least a week of preparation time is necessary.”

Prime Minister Chung requested, “Considering these circumstances, the Ministry of Education should proceed with all necessary procedures so that the public can be informed of the timing and method of school reopening by early May at the latest. In particular, please focus on gathering opinions regarding a plan to prioritize and sequentially reopen schools for high school seniors (Grade 12) and middle school seniors (Grade 9) who are preparing for entrance exams.”

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