Park Neung-hoo: "The Itaewon Cluster Infection... Our Quarantine System Faces a Test" (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), said on the 12th, "Our quarantine system has been put to the test due to the Itaewon club-related cluster infection that occurred during the golden holiday period."

Deputy Park stated this during the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that morning, adding, "The quarantine authorities and local governments are responding quickly and extensively by utilizing all available resources to conduct diagnostic tests in order to minimize further community spread."

The government emphasized that the cooperation of the public is absolutely necessary to quickly block the spread of the cluster infection and minimize damage. Deputy Park said, "If you visited the Itaewon area from April 24 to May 6, you should refrain from going out and contact a public health center or 1339 without hesitation to get tested." He added, "'Just one person won't matter' is a careless thought that can delay the return to normal life," urging, "Please avoid entering facilities where many people gather and strictly follow social distancing rules in daily life."

At the meeting, the government focused on reviewing the quarantine measures and future plans of local governments where confirmed cases related to the Itaewon club cluster infection have occurred. Deputy Park said, "Each local government must quickly identify confirmed cases and isolate them to minimize community infection," and "The quarantine authorities will also immediately implement additional necessary measures."

Deputy Park stated, "The COVID-19 virus does not discriminate by region, origin, or religion; anyone can be infected," and urged, "Discrimination and exclusion actually exclude quarantine efforts, so let us respond together through solidarity and cooperation."

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