Prime Minister Jung to Decide Tomorrow on Transition to "Everyday Distancing"

"Assessing the Results of Social Distancing... Controlling Overseas Inflow Remains Key to Quarantine Efforts"
National Wildfire Crisis Alert Raised to Highest Level, 'Severe'
"Fortunately, the Goseong Wildfire Has Been Brought Under Control"

Jung Segyun Prime Minister

[Asia Economy, reporter Lee Kwangho] On May 2, Prime Minister Jung Seyeon stated, "At tomorrow's Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting, which falls on Sunday, we will assess the results of our social distancing efforts and decide whether to transition to everyday distancing starting from the 6th."

Prime Minister Jung made this announcement while presiding over the CDSCH meeting on the government’s response to COVID-19, held at the Government Complex Seoul on the same day.

He said, "Recently, the number of new confirmed cases has been stably managed at around 10 per day, and, in particular, there have been almost no local transmissions for two consecutive days. Although the proportion of cases imported from overseas has relatively increased, fortunately, there have been almost no cases of overseas inflow occurring outside the quarantine network."

However, he expressed concern, saying, "The number of cases coming in from Asian regions, aside from Europe and the United States, continues to rise, which is worrying. As universities expand in-person classes, the entry of international students may increase, and after mid-month, many of our students who had postponed their return are also expected to come back. For the time being, controlling overseas inflow will be key to our quarantine efforts."

He emphasized, "I ask that you remain vigilant and continue to thoroughly manage arrivals from overseas at airports and within local communities, as you have done so far."

Prime Minister Jung also mentioned, "In preparation for increased outdoor activities, we have raised the public mask purchase limit to three masks per person starting this week. I was concerned that increased demand might put pressure on supply, but thanks to the cooperation of the public, it seems we will be able to maintain this expanded limit. I am grateful."

He continued, "As has been proven in many cases, wearing a mask is one of the key means of preventing community spread. Just as you fasten your seatbelt when you get in a car, I ask everyone to make it a habit to always wear a mask in indoor public spaces for the safety of yourself, your family, and the community."

Prime Minister Jung concluded, "Yesterday, a large wildfire broke out in Goseong, Gangwon Province, amid dry weather and strong winds. The government issued the highest-level national wildfire crisis alert, 'Severe,' and mobilized all available resources, including the special wildfire suppression team, 38 helicopters, firefighters, military and police, and local governments, to fight the fire overnight. Fortunately, the blaze was brought under control. I would like to thank all public officials who responded quickly to the wildfire during the holiday, and I ask that you ensure there is no re-ignition and bring the situation to a definite close."

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