Prime Minister Jeong: "Tomorrow's High School Seniors' Return to School Is Within Our Quarantine System's Capacity"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 19th, "Starting tomorrow, high school seniors (Grade 12 students) will begin attending in-person classes," adding, "Although there are some concerns about safety, the current level of community infections is manageable within our quarantine system, and if the government, schools, and families work together, safe in-person classes will be possible."

Prime Minister Chung presided over the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day and stated, "The Ministry of Education, education offices, and schools at all levels should cooperate with local governments and related agencies to carry out thorough quarantine measures and respond promptly if suspected or confirmed cases occur."

He also urged, "Families should guide students to comply with self-diagnosis, constant mask-wearing, and minimizing interpersonal contact."

Prime Minister Chung mentioned that the number of employed persons in April decreased by about 480,000 compared to the same month last year, marking the largest decline since 1999 during the foreign exchange crisis, and that the average daily export amount in early May also dropped by about 30% compared to the same period last year, expressing concern that "the impact of COVID-19 on the economy is growing."

He said, "The President presented the direction for national governance to overcome the economic crisis and lead the post-COVID-19 era in his special speech on the third anniversary of his inauguration," adding, "Now, each ministry must actively cooperate to prepare solid follow-up plans and swiftly implement key tasks such as regulatory innovation to boost economic vitality, strengthening employment safety nets, and the Korean New Deal."

He continued, "Please ensure that the necessary funds for these tasks are properly reflected in the third supplementary budget and next year's budget," and "Please review and supplement national tasks by reflecting the changed policy environment and priorities due to COVID-19."

Prime Minister Chung also said, "Tomorrow, a tripartite dialogue involving the two major labor unions, the business community, and the government will begin," and expressed, "The government will do its best to bring together the wisdom of all economic and social actors to reach an agreement to overcome the crisis."

Furthermore, he said, "On the 10th, there was a tragic incident where an apartment security worker, who complained of unfair treatment by residents, took his own life," and urged, "Please continue efforts to change societal awareness to eradicate power harassment."

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