Prime Minister Jeong: "If the Spread Is Not Curbed, a Situation More Serious Than Daegu and Gyeongbuk Will Occur"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun warned on the 23rd, "If we fail to stop the current serious spread, a situation far more severe than the previous experience in Daegu and Gyeongbuk could arise." He also appealed regarding the sequential work stoppage by the Korean Intern Resident Association that began on the 21st, saying, "I once again ask you to return to the side of patients who are desperately waiting for doctors' care."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "From midnight today, social distancing level 2 has been expanded nationwide," adding, "I ask the public to refrain from going out for the time being and to strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance wherever you are."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "If the spread of infection surpasses the quarantine management network, the burden on the medical system and the fatigue of the people will intensify to an unbearable level," and emphasized, "It is urgent above all to quickly curb the spread of COVID-19 and return to a stable phase."

He also said, "The sequential work stoppage by the Korean Intern Resident Association that began on the 21st has expanded to all interns starting today," expressing concern, "After the weekend, medical confusion on the ground is expected to intensify tomorrow, which is a very worrisome situation."

He continued, "I ask you to demonstrate your professional spirit and sense of duty as doctors by prioritizing patients' health," and urged, "I hope we can overcome this crisis together by joining forces with the government. I urge the Korean Intern Resident Association to make a decision even at this moment."

Regarding Typhoon No. 8 'Bavi,' which is approaching the Korean Peninsula, Prime Minister Chung said, "Although its path is fluid, it is expected to pass through Jeju Island on the 26th and then cross the Seoul metropolitan area on the 27th, raising concerns about significant damage," and ordered, "Relevant ministries and local governments should thoroughly prepare to prevent damage from strong winds and heavy rain."

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