Progressive Party Jeonnam Provincial Committee Urges Practical Measures to Address COVID-19 Crisis

Temporary Nationwide Shutdown and Distribution of Second Disaster Relief Fund, etc.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Progressive Party Jeonnam Provincial Party urged the government to devise active and practical quarantine measures to protect the health and lives of the people as COVID-19 cases rapidly spread.

On the 25th, the Progressive Party Jeonnam Provincial Party stated in a commentary, "What is needed now are bold and proactive measures to end COVID-19," adding, "A 'nationwide temporary holiday,' the payment of a second disaster relief fund, and an extension of family care leave are also necessary."

They said, "The two-week average daily number of confirmed cases has already exceeded 100, reaching the criteria for raising social distancing to level 3, but the government is still only reviewing the situation," and added, "There are concerns that the first wave, when the government's emergency response failed, might be repeated."

They continued, "Schools are closed and religious group gatherings are restricted, but if companies and factories continue to operate, the effectiveness of quarantine measures will decrease," emphasizing, "For effective social distancing, measures are needed to encourage the entire population to refrain from movement and contact to prevent infection."

They also said, "The government should prepare emergency financial measures for the holiday period so that people can do their best to prevent infection without livelihood anxiety," adding, "The Bank of Korea recently warned that if strong quarantine measures are implemented due to the resurgence of COVID-19, one-third of vulnerable groups such as low-income, low-education, women, and youth will face livelihood crises. The 'second emergency disaster relief fund' is the most effective measure to alleviate the livelihood anxiety of the people and the difficulties of vulnerable groups."

They further proposed, "The current 10-day family care leave period should be extended to 20 days and be available for application until the end of this year," and "An additional 10 days should be provided to workers who have already used the 10-day leave period."

Finally, they added, "The government support amount should also be increased from 50,000 won to 100,000 won so that workers can care for their families without financial burden."

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