President Moon: "Some Churches Challenge National Quarantine... Measures to 'Use Compulsory Means' Enforced" (Update)

President Moon Jae-in [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] President Moon Jae-in warned on the 16th regarding the sharp surge in confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) centered around some churches, calling it "a clear challenge to the national quarantine system and an unforgivable act that threatens the lives of the people," and stated, "The government cannot help but take very firm and strong measures, even by employing coercive means."

On the same day, through his Facebook and other social network services (SNS), President Moon said, "By strictly punishing illegal acts that undermine public peace and order, the government will fulfill its mission to prioritize the safety of the people and firmly establish the rule of law."

The number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases surged to 279 as of midnight that day. In particular, cluster infections occurred mainly in some churches, raising concerns about second and third waves of infection. President Moon expressed concern, saying, "It is a very serious situation where a large number of new confirmed cases are expected to continue for the time being," and "This is a critical turning point that will determine the success or failure of our quarantine efforts since Shincheonji."

President Moon said, "The situation of some churches, which have become large-scale cluster infection sources, is particularly worrisome," adding, "Despite continuous requests for cooperation from quarantine authorities, they have ignored and violated quarantine rules, resulting in a large number of confirmed cases. Even after the cluster infections, they have refused to cooperate with testing and epidemiological investigations, causing great difficulties for the quarantine authorities."

He also criticized, "Many people who need to be quarantined even participated in street rallies, which could have spread COVID-19 to rally participants from across the country. This is a very unreasonable behavior that pours cold water on the efforts of the entire nation who have long struggled to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

He then urged, "We earnestly ask the church members and their families, contacts of the cluster infections, as well as those who attended yesterday’s rally and their families and contacts, to actively cooperate with prompt diagnostic and other quarantine measures."

President Moon said, "The government has raised social distancing in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas from level 1 to level 2 to effectively block the spread in the metropolitan area and prevent nationwide spread," adding, "Use of high-risk facilities and industries is restricted, enhanced quarantine rules are applied, and various measures to minimize contact between people are being implemented." He continued, "Cooperation from churches, where large-scale infections are occurring, is absolutely crucial," and urged, "Please be sure to wear masks and maintain distancing, and refrain from small group activities that are easily exposed to the three Cs: closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings."

He also expressed regret, saying, "I am sorry to cause additional concern due to the spread of COVID-19 while the people are already suffering greatly from the longest rainy season and unprecedented heavy rains causing severe flood damage," and emphasized again, "The strength to overcome this critical COVID-19 situation lies solely with the people. I earnestly ask you to unite your efforts to stop COVID-19 with mature civic consciousness."

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