Prime Minister Jeong: "Minimize Risks of In-Person Classes, Gradual Normalization Needed"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering opening remarks at the 'Government Policy Coordination Meeting' held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 21st, "From yesterday, in-person classes for high school seniors have begun," adding, "The government will put all its efforts into on-site school quarantine measures in line with the ongoing schedule of in-person classes."

Prime Minister Chung presided over the Government Policy Coordination Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "I believe that gradually normalizing schools while minimizing risk factors is the way to guarantee students' right to education and restore everyone's daily lives."

He explained, "Although infections did not occur at schools, some students' movements overlapped with confirmed cases in Incheon and Anseong areas, or the routes were not clearly identified, leading to postponement of in-person classes as a preventive measure," adding, "The government, local governments, and education offices responded proactively for the safety of students." He continued, "Such localized situations can occur at any time in the future," and added, "From a quarantine perspective, not attending school would be the best option."

Regarding the agenda on strengthening fire safety at construction sites, Prime Minister Chung said, "It has been three years since the Moon Jae-in administration, born from the Candlelight Revolution, took office," but pointed out, "The fire at the Icheon logistics center last month was an opportunity to reflect on how well the government has responded to the people's desire for a 'safe country.'" He emphasized, "The government must prepare fundamental measures to prevent recurrence so that the sacrifices from this accident are not in vain."

He stated, "We need to create measures that work on-site," and mentioned, "Improvement plans that are not implemented on-site are not only empty but can also lead to further casualties." He added, "This opportunity should be used to expose and thoroughly eliminate all fire vulnerabilities hidden throughout construction sites," and said, "The patchwork approach of fixing problems only after accidents occur must end now." Furthermore, he expressed, "Punishments commensurate with the severity of accidents must follow," explaining, "Effective sanctions and penalties are necessary to ensure the accountability of business owners and managers."

Prime Minister Chung also said, "Safety management at construction sites, which continuously change according to the progress of work, depends on collaboration among various supervisory agencies," and instructed, "Please establish a seamless cooperation system among local governments, regional labor offices, and fire authorities."

Regarding the agenda on measures to reduce burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises through the sharing economy, he said, "Everyone is struggling due to COVID-19, but small and medium-sized enterprises are going through even tougher times," and expressed hope, "If this measure is implemented, it will be easier for those with creative ideas for shared businesses but lacking funds to start their ventures." He also said, "By jointly utilizing production facilities, research equipment, and public data, win-win cooperation among companies and institutions will be further promoted."

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