Blue House says 'Not Easy'... Opposition Pressures to Implement Social Distancing Level 3 (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] While the Blue House is showing a reserved stance on the 'Level 3 Social Distancing' measure to prevent the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the opposition parties are pressuring to implement Level 3 Social Distancing.

On the 27th, Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, requested the government to implement Level 3 Social Distancing during a party leadership meeting held via a non-face-to-face video application, saying, "Apart from COVID-19, there should be no unnecessary controversies or waste of national power."

Participants in the non-face-to-face meeting agreed that "the government must prioritize overcoming COVID-19." Chairman Kim urged, "I ask the government to devote all efforts to resolving COVID-19," adding, "Above all, before the number of confirmed cases rises significantly, the government should not hesitate but faithfully fulfill its fundamental role of protecting the lives and safety of the people by implementing Level 3 Social Distancing."

Earlier, Joo Ho-young, floor leader, also said to reporters after the National Assembly floor countermeasure meeting on the 25th, "If it is an unavoidable path, accepting it early is the way to minimize damage," and asked, "Isn't it inevitable to implement Level 3 Social Distancing in the near future?" In his remarks at the floor countermeasure meeting that day, he also stated, "In a situation where the president himself recognizes this as a critical moment and takes the situation seriously, I hope the government does not hesitate or delay in taking preemptive measures for quarantine."

Rep. Ha Tae-kyung of the United Future Party also said on Facebook that day, "The government should exclude political logic and actively accept the opinions of quarantine authorities and experts to consider Level 3 Social Distancing," adding, "Quarantine experts are actively recommending Level 3 Social Distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19."

He said, "We must not repeat the mistake of locking the barn after the horse is lost. The role of the state now is to make decisions prioritizing the safety and health of the people."

The People's Party also stated in a previous commentary, "The government should consider upgrading social distancing measures to Level 3 to prevent the spread through mass gatherings and religious facilities as currently occurring," adding, "The national losses caused by a second large-scale outbreak far outweigh the social costs incurred by Level 3 Social Distancing."

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