Prime Minister Jeong: "Full-scale Student Return to School... Must Be Able to Respond to Unexpected Situations"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 27th, "From today, students' return to school will be in full swing," and added, "I ask that education offices, local governments, fire departments, police, and quarantine authorities collaborate at the school level to be able to respond to any unexpected situations."

Prime Minister Chung made these remarks while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office.

Following the start of in-person classes for 3rd-year high school students on the 20th, from today, 2nd-year high school students, 3rd-year middle school students, 1st and 2nd-grade elementary students, and kindergarteners will return to school. The total number nationwide reaches 2.37 million.

Prime Minister Chung stated, "We must prevent silent transmission among young people. In the past three weeks, people in their 20s have accounted for 40% of new confirmed cases," and added, "There are also 16 confirmed cases aged 60 and above infected by them. Yesterday, a person in their 20s who violated self-quarantine was sentenced to imprisonment by the court."

He urged, "Beyond the issue of punishment, I hope young people, as members of society, take responsibility and actively practice social distancing in daily life."

Prime Minister Chung also emphasized strengthening management of high-risk facilities. He said, "Closed places frequently used by many people, such as singing practice rooms, clubs, and pubs, have been the medium for these cluster infections," and added, "The government and local governments are continuously inspecting and proposing improvement measures, but above all, compliance with quarantine rules and cooperation from businesses and visitors are essential."

Furthermore, he instructed, "Our food culture, which is vulnerable to infection, must also change through this opportunity," and said, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will report improvement plans today, and I ask the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local governments to actively cooperate to secure public participation and consensus."

He continued, "Special caution and cooperation are urgently needed from those who come into contact with many people due to their occupations, such as academy instructors, teachers, and religious figures," and added, "Since these individuals have a significant impact on community safety, I ask them to set an example in preventing infectious diseases and complying with quarantine guidelines."

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