Kwon Jun-wook "Apologizes for Early WHO Mask Guidelines on COVID-19"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, apologized on the 18th during a briefing on COVID-19, mentioning parts that could be considered mistakes.

At the regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, Deputy Director Kwon said, "I carry a sense of my own shortcomings and, furthermore, an apology as a briefer in my heart," adding, "Whenever the moment comes for my final briefing, I always resolve to apologize for anything I must among the things I have said." He continued, "Regarding COVID-19, I humbly apologize for having spoken according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and various countries about mask-wearing when we did not know well." On March 3, during a briefing, Deputy Director Kwon referred to WTO recommendations, explaining, "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend wearing masks as a way to prevent COVID-19." The behavior guidelines provided by the Disease Control Headquarters also specify that only high-risk groups such as pregnant women, those over 65, and chronic patients should wear masks when going out.

Deputy Director Kwon said, "As a briefer, I regret that I may have made mistakes regarding personal information and mentioning specific regions related to COVID-19," and added, "I am preparing to gather everything at the last moment to clarify accurately."

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