Prime Minister Jeong: "Discussing Nationwide Expansion of Social Distancing Level 2... Special Measures Needed" (Update)

"No Tolerance Policy Response to the Neutralization of Public Authority"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 22nd, "In the current serious crisis situation, we are discussing the possibility of expanding social distancing level 2 nationwide."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "Extraordinary measures are needed to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 in regions outside the metropolitan area."

Since the government first introduced the social distancing system on February 29, it has implemented strengthened social distancing (March 22 to April 19) and relaxed social distancing (April 20 to May 5) according to the intensity of enforcement. Currently, the system is unified under social distancing levels 1 to 3, which are adjusted according to the COVID-19 outbreak situation.

The biggest difference between level 1 and level 2 social distancing is the criteria for gatherings, meetings, and events where people meet face-to-face. At level 1, there is no limit on the number of people as long as quarantine rules are followed in principle, but at level 2, the number of people must not exceed '50 indoors and 100 outdoors.'

For example, under level 2 social distancing, watching professional baseball, professional soccer, and other sports games is suspended. Operations of high-risk facilities with a high risk of group infections are also suspended. Since there are currently 12 designated industries, if all of these places close, it is expected to have a significant impact on social and economic activities.

The high-risk facilities currently designated by the government include hunting pubs, emotional pubs, entertainment pubs, karaoke pubs, colatecs, singing practice rooms, indoor group exercise facilities, indoor standing concert halls, door-to-door sales companies, logistics centers, large academies, and buffet restaurants.

Prime Minister Chung said, "The strengthened quarantine measures will cause many inconveniences in the daily lives of the people," adding, "However, if the current spread continues and social distancing is raised to level 3, it will cause tremendous damage to the livelihoods of ordinary people and the daily lives of the public."

He continued, "We ask for the patience and cooperation of the people," and added, "If the people and the government unite, we can definitely overcome the current crisis."

Prime Minister Chung also emphasized, "Recently, some churches have openly engaged in antisocial behaviors such as intentionally obstructing epidemiological investigations by refusing to submit lists or undergo diagnostic tests, and spreading false and fabricated information, which amplifies public anxiety," and stated, "The government will respond firmly with a zero-tolerance policy to acts that threaten the lives and safety of the people and undermine public authority."

Regarding the sequential strike of medical residents, he pointed out, "Although there has not yet been significant disruption to medical services, the longer the work stoppage continues, the more the medical crisis may become a reality," and added, "In the severe COVID-19 situation, if medical residents leave the medical field, the damage will ultimately fall on patients who visit hospitals with earnest hopes."

Furthermore, he earnestly requested, "Please resolve any demands to the government through sincere dialogue in consultative bodies, and above all, we earnestly ask you to return to your posts as soon as possible for the countless patients suffering from illness."

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