Prime Minister Jeong: "Repeated n-th Infections in the Capital Area Continue... Extension of Quarantine Measures Inevitable" (Update)

"Strict Legal Measures Without Exception for Violations of Quarantine Rules and False Statements"
"Urging Plasma Therapy Development by Year-End and Participation of Recovered Patients in Blood Donation"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at the Seoul Situation Center of the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room in the Government Seoul Office Building on the morning of the 12th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun emphasized on the 12th that "it is inevitable to extend the strengthened quarantine measures for the Seoul metropolitan area, which are scheduled to end the day after tomorrow (June 14th)."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Seoul Government Complex that morning, Prime Minister Chung stated, "We will extend the existing measures within the metropolitan area until the situation stabilizes," adding, "We will strive to slow the spread of infection by strengthening quarantine in blind spots."

He said, "While continuing social distancing in daily life, strengthened quarantine measures have been implemented in the metropolitan area for two weeks from May 29th to June 14th."

Furthermore, he added, "We have imposed gathering restrictions on high-risk facilities such as entertainment bars, and are also limiting the operation of public facilities and non-essential public events. In cases of intentional or gross negligence in violating quarantine rules or obstructing epidemiological investigations with false statements, strict legal measures are being taken without exception."

Prime Minister Chung reported on the situation, saying, "The current situation in the metropolitan area has not improved compared to two weeks ago. Although cluster infections in high-risk facilities have decreased, cluster infections and secondary infections continue in small-scale churches and multi-level marketing companies where administrative reach is limited."

He added, "Various indicators also show a dangerous level, such as an increase in the proportion of confirmed cases with unknown infection routes and a decrease in the proportion of confirmed cases managed within the quarantine network."

Regarding the extension of the strengthened measures in the metropolitan area, Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "We will expand diagnostic testing for high-risk facilities regardless of symptom presence. We will also hasten preparations for the unknown timing of a second large-scale outbreak."

He also mentioned that June 14th is 'World Blood Donor Day,' stating, "Thanks to the active cooperation of the public, the blood supply situation temporarily improved, but with a recent decrease in group blood donations, difficulties are expected again," urging the public for continued participation and interest in blood donation.

Additionally, he said, "We are recruiting blood from recovered patients aiming to develop plasma therapy by the end of the year." He urged, "Although participation is gradually increasing, there is still a long way to go. We ask for the active participation of over 10,000 recovered patients."

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