Lee Hae-chan "Capital region is the origin... 'Level 3 Social Distancing' cannot be ruled out"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, hinted at the possibility of raising the 'Social Distancing Level 3' due to the rapid increase in confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the morning of the 24th, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee said, "Since the metropolitan area, where half of the population is concentrated, has become the epicenter, it may be a situation where extreme measures of Level 3 distancing cannot be ruled out," adding, "I hope the government takes preemptive measures to prevent such a situation."

He continued, "If the situation worsens and spreads further at this stage, it will move beyond the level of secondary distancing to a serious phase where all daily life must be controlled," and "especially since the metropolitan area must respond jointly, the heads of local governments in the metropolitan area, the party leader, and the floor leader should hold an emergency meeting to devise joint response measures," he urged.

If Level 3 distancing is implemented, gatherings and assemblies of more than 10 people will be prohibited, and in-person classes will be completely suspended. Except for essential socio-economic activities, all activities will be fundamentally banned. To escalate to Level 3, the two-week average daily number of confirmed cases must be between 100 and 200 or more. Currently, although the daily confirmed cases are increasing by more than 200, 'doubling' (daily confirmed cases doubling) has not occurred, so the criteria for issuing Level 3 have not been met.

Lee also warned of strong measures against those refusing COVID-19 testing. He said, "We have secured the list of believers from Sarang Jeil Church, and the list of attendees at the Gwanghwamun rally has also been identified," adding, "Despite guarantees of identity protection, if they refuse testing, the government strongly warns that it will not hesitate to prosecute all and exercise the right of claim." He further emphasized, "If this continues, there is a risk of collapse not only of the K-quarantine system, which the entire nation has cooperated in for the past six months, but also of the public medical system," and stressed, "We will adopt a principle of zero tolerance and maximum punishment for organizations and individuals who violate administrative orders."

He then said, "Today, Typhoon Bavi, the 8th typhoon, is passing over the Korean Peninsula, centered on Jeju," adding, "We must strive to prevent any additional damage to flood victims suffering from the spread of COVID-19. I hope the National Assembly prepares to quickly provide various economic and disaster support to those affected."

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