Prime Minister Jeong Holds Meeting with Infectious Disease Experts: "Preparation for Second Wave Also Necessary"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering opening remarks at the 'COVID-19 Experts Meeting' held on the 12th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 12th, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) has decided to extend the strengthened quarantine measures, but we need to review what additional measures are necessary and prepare for a possible second large-scale outbreak."

Prime Minister Chung made these remarks during a meeting with domestic infectious disease experts at the government Seoul office regarding the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Attending the meeting were Professor Kim Nam-jung of Seoul National University Hospital, Professor Kim Jong-heon of Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Professor Kim Hong-bin of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Professor Lee Sang-il of Ulsan University School of Medicine, Professor Lee Jae-gap of Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, and Professor Jung Hee-jin of Korea University Guro Hospital.

The meeting was held to gather expert opinions on the government's quarantine strategy and future policy direction as the risk level has increased due to sporadic cluster infections occurring sequentially, mainly in the metropolitan area.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Experts' opinions and suggestions have been a great help in the government's response to COVID-19. Although confirmed cases surged in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, we reorganized the patient classification system and introduced residential treatment centers based on expert advice, enabling effective management of confirmed patients."

He added, "As a result of these efforts, the rapid increase in patients was curbed, and internationally, our response was recognized as a model case," expressing gratitude to the experts.

However, he pointed out, "It has been a month since we shifted to social distancing in daily life, but the situation remains serious with sporadic cluster infections centered in the metropolitan area and cases with unknown infection routes continuing."

During the meeting, discussions were held on establishing a sustainable quarantine system in terms of the medical delivery system and workforce to prepare for the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, they exchanged opinions on ways to communicate more effectively with the public, such as developing indicators (index) that the public can actually perceive regarding the current situation.

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