Prime Minister Jeong: "Possible to Advance to Next Stage in COVID-19 Response"... Indicates Easing of Social Distancing Measures

"Many Concerns and Expectations Regarding the Implementation of Everyday Social Distancing on the 6th of Next Month"
Government to Finalize Announcement on the 3rd After Gathering Opinions from Various Sectors on 'End of Distancing'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on the 29th hinted at the possibility of easing social distancing measures, stating, "Considering the high level of quarantine awareness shown by the public so far, I cautiously think it might be time to move to the next phase," in relation to the transition to a 'distancing in daily life' system.

At the 3rd Living Quarantine Committee held at the International Electronics Center in Seocho-gu on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "There are many concerns and expectations about transitioning to distancing in daily life starting May 6. Given that face-to-face contact will clearly increase significantly during the holiday period, I wonder, 'Is now the right time?'" but he also made the above remarks.

The government has been implementing 'high-intensity social distancing' for about a month from April 22 to May 19 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), and is currently enforcing a lowered level of social distancing for two weeks until May 5.

Prime Minister Chung's remarks on this day are interpreted as indicating the government's intention to end social distancing measures on May 5 and transition to distancing in daily life.

The government is expected to continue gathering opinions on whether to extend social distancing and on the implementation of distancing in daily life, and after further discussions at a meeting of related ministers chaired by the Prime Minister on June 2, it will likely announce the final decision around June 3.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Chung listened to the opinions of experts and representatives of civic groups regarding detailed guidelines for the government's transition to the distancing in daily life system.

Prime Minister Chung said, "The government is preparing distancing in daily life guidelines that embed 'quarantine' into ordinary daily life and is collecting public opinions. Although it is a new attempt and cannot be perfect, we will continuously improve it through the participation and solidarity shown by the public so far."

He pointed out, "Fortunately, the daily number of new confirmed cases has decreased to around 10, and we have passed a major hurdle, but experts unanimously warn about the prolonged COVID-19 situation and a possible second wave. The international spread has not yet subsided, so while discussing the new normal, we cannot let our guard down."

Regarding the upcoming 'Golden Holiday' lasting up to six days starting on the 30th, Prime Minister Chung urged the public, "For the safety of the community, please strictly follow personal hygiene rules and quarantine guidelines," and emphasized, "The government and local governments will also maintain vigilance during the holiday period and do their best to manage quarantine."

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