President Moon: "No Tolerance for Non-Cooperation or Deviations in Quarantine... COVID-19 Is at Its Greatest Crisis Now"

"If We Fail to Act Now, Social Distancing Level 3 Is Inevitable"
"Medical Community Warns: Please Refrain from Collective Actions That Jeopardize Public Lives"

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House on the afternoon of the 24th.
Amid growing concerns over a second wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), fewer participants than usual attended the meeting, sitting apart with glass partitions between them.

President Moon Jae-in warned on the 24th that the current situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) outbreak has reached its greatest crisis, and that illegal acts such as non-cooperation with quarantine measures, spreading fake news, and unauthorized departures will not be tolerated.

President Moon made these remarks during a senior secretaries and aides meeting held at the Blue House in the afternoon, stating in his opening remarks, "We will not tolerate illegal acts that threaten the lives and safety of the people."

He assessed the current situation by saying, "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, our country is now facing its greatest crisis," and added, "This is a much more serious emergency situation than the early Shincheonji incident."

He continued, "In some parts of our society, acts that challenge the national quarantine system, blatantly obstruct quarantine efforts, or refuse cooperation are becoming hotbeds for the spread of COVID-19. The number of confirmed cases with unknown infection routes is increasing, meaning anyone can be infected with COVID-19, and if we become even slightly careless, the number of infections can explode anytime and anywhere. This is a critical moment."

President Moon then announced a strong response to illegal acts such as non-cooperation with quarantine measures. He said, "Malicious and organized obstruction of quarantine and spreading fake news are antisocial crimes that harm the community," and added, "Individual acts of deviation such as refusing administrative orders, non-cooperation with quarantine, or unauthorized departures cannot be tolerated."

While mentioning the possibility of raising the 'Social Distancing Level 3,' he urged nationwide efforts to prevent it. He said, "The power to overcome the current emergency situation lies with the people, who are the main agents of quarantine," and earnestly requested, "Please comply with the quarantine rules under Social Distancing Level 2 and cooperate with quarantine efforts." He also emphasized once again, "Especially, I stress wearing masks anytime and anywhere."

President Moon said, "If we fail to contain it at this stage, we will inevitably have to escalate to Social Distancing Level 3," and added, "Escalating to Level 3 is not a choice to be taken lightly." He continued, "Daily life will come to a halt, jobs will collapse, and we will have to endure tremendous economic damage," and urged, "I hope everyone will join forces to prevent the worst-case scenario."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A warning message related to the medical community's collective strike (work stoppage) was also issued.

President Moon said, "At a time when national capabilities must be united to stop the spread of COVID-19, collective actions that put the lives of the people at risk can never be supported," and requested, "I ask the medical community to refrain from collective actions."

He added, "While it is possible to oppose or criticize government policies, it must not cross the line of legality," and warned, "The government has no choice but to respond firmly to illegal collective power actions such as work stoppages or business suspensions in order to protect the people's right to life."

Regarding recent flood damage, he also promised swift recovery and support.

President Moon emphasized, "The government will do its best to alleviate the difficulties of the people who suffered great damage due to the unprecedented long rainy season and heavy rains," and added, "The government has today added special disaster areas, completed damage surveys much faster than in the past, and significantly increased the amount of disaster relief funds."

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