Park Neung-hoo "Weekend Amid Severe Crisis... Strong Implementation of Social Distancing Needed"

Gwanghwamun Rally Participants Urge Prompt Diagnostic Testing
"Irrational" Criticism of Quarantine Disruption Acts

Park Neung-hoo, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response at the Government Seoul Office Building on the morning of the 29th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), repeatedly appealed for public cooperation regarding the strengthened social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 29th, during the opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting, Deputy Head Park said, "This weekend comes amid a serious crisis where COVID-19 confirmed cases are continuously increasing," adding, "Strong action by the public to minimize contact is necessary to prevent our daily lives from stopping."

Starting at midnight on the 30th, strengthened measures equivalent to social distancing level 2.5 will be implemented in the Seoul metropolitan area. Restaurants will only be allowed to offer takeout and delivery after 9 p.m., and franchise coffee shops will also be limited to takeout and delivery. Face-to-face classes at educational institutions such as academies will be prohibited, and the operation of sports facilities such as billiard halls, gyms, and golf practice ranges will be suspended.

Deputy Head Park stated, "From tomorrow, additional measures equivalent to level 3 social distancing will be implemented in the metropolitan area," and added, "I believe those operating cafes, restaurants, and academies who have consistently complied with quarantine rules may feel very confused and worried." He continued, "However, please understand that these strengthened quarantine measures are an inevitable choice to reduce greater social and economic sacrifices, and actively participate."

He also urged, "Please participate in religious gatherings such as church services over the weekend online," and said, "Except for essential activities such as purchasing daily necessities and essential medical treatment, please refrain from going out and stay at home."

Deputy Head Park again urged attendees of the Gwanghwamun rally on the 15th of this month to promptly undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing. He emphasized, "Although the quarantine authorities are making efforts to conduct contact tracing, if testing is delayed due to hesitation, many more people could become infected," and urged, "Please visit the nearest screening clinic even now."

He particularly criticized, saying, "There have been unfortunate cases of verbal abuse and assault against quarantine workers and medical staff during the diagnosis and treatment process," and added, "Such irrational behavior towards those risking their lives and sacrificing on the front lines of COVID-19 quarantine cannot be tolerated."

Deputy Head Park emphasized again, "The public is participating in social distancing in creative ways such as the 'Home Stay Challenge' and 'Living Room Camping,'" and said, "The active participation of the public is a great source of strength for the quarantine authorities and medical staff, and the greatest resource and driving force to overcome this crisis."

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