Prime Minister Jeong: "COVID-19 Spread Is Unusual... Considering Strengthening Social Distancing"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 14th, "If the situation worsens further, we cannot rule out the possibility of raising social distancing to Level 2 in the metropolitan area."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Chung stated, "The spread of domestic infections, which had shown some signs of stabilization, is now serious."

He emphasized, "Due to the rainy season and vacation period, social distancing is not being properly observed in many places amid a relaxed atmosphere. We all need to be more vigilant so that the difficult balance between quarantine measures and daily life is not broken."

He added, "With a three-day holiday ahead, concerns are even greater. We must not let our guard down for even a moment. I urge the public to strictly follow quarantine rules during this holiday period, wherever you are and whatever you do."

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern over some groups planning to hold rallies on August 15, Liberation Day, which falls on the weekend. He said, "While the freedom of assembly must be respected, we cannot ignore prioritizing the safety and health of the people in this severe COVID-19 situation. I ask the Seoul Metropolitan Government to respond firmly."

He also raised his voice regarding the doctors' association's one-day strike starting at 8 a.m. today. "I deeply regret that despite the government's continuous requests for dialogue, they have refused and resorted to collective action," he said.

He continued, "The public remembers the dedication and sacrifice of doctors who have been fighting on the front lines to overcome COVID-19. The collective strike by some doctors only undermines this social recognition and causes pain to the people suffering from COVID-19 and the recent floods."

Furthermore, he stated, "The government is ready to communicate sincerely with the medical community with an open attitude. I hope the doctors' association will seek to resolve issues through dialogue rather than collective action. I also urge the Ministry of Health and Welfare, related ministries, and local governments to implement emergency medical measures without fail to prevent any medical service gaps caused by the strike."

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