Prime Minister Jeong: "COVID-19 Critical Turning Point... Chuseok Livelihood Measures Harmonized with Quarantine" (Update)

"One Month Before Chuseok, Must Not Become Another Spark for COVID-19 Spread"
"Typhoon 'Maysak' Crosses Inland... Concerns Similar to 2003's 'Maemi'"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun appealed on the 2nd, "This week will be a critical turning point to determine the spread and containment of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)," urging "(the public) to participate in the fight against COVID-19 with patience this week."

Prime Minister Chung stated this at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, saying, "A new month has begun, but the COVID-19 situation remains severe."

He lamented, "Over 5,000 confirmed cases occurred throughout August, pushing the cumulative number of confirmed cases past 20,000," adding, "Small-scale cluster infections continue in various places, and in the past week, 25% of confirmed cases have unknown infection routes, causing difficulties in quarantine efforts."

He also emphasized, "There are still violations of quarantine rules in some churches, restaurants, cafes, and other places," urging, "Please join forces so that the efforts of many citizens who are enduring each day with difficulty while cooperating with quarantine measures are not in vain."

Prime Minister Chung said, "Chuseok is just a month away. This holiday should not become another spark for the spread of COVID-19," and requested, "Citizens are asked to prioritize quarantine measures when planning their holiday schedules."

He continued, "The government's Chuseok livelihood measures, including transportation and consumption, must be harmonized with the COVID-19 quarantine policy," and ordered, "The quarantine authorities should proactively prepare quarantine measures for Chuseok in consultation with related ministries and inform the public in advance."

Regarding the ongoing 13-day collective medical strike, Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "Considering the severe COVID-19 situation, we have temporarily suspended the expansion of medical school quotas without any conditions and postponed the medical licensing examination by one week," adding, "Nonetheless, it is truly regrettable that residents continue their collective actions."

He further urged, "The longer the return to work is delayed, the more patients will suffer," and appealed, "Residents should trust the promises made by the government, the National Assembly, and senior medical professionals, and promptly return to the patients' side."

Concerning the approach of Typhoon No. 9 'Maysak,' Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "Typhoon No. 9 'Maysak,' accompanied by very strong winds and heavy rain, is rapidly approaching our country," and added, "This typhoon is expected to be similar to Typhoon 'Maemi' in 2003, which was the first typhoon to pass through inland this year, claiming 131 precious lives and causing 4 trillion won in property damage, which is even more worrisome."

He then instructed, "Related ministries and local governments should thoroughly prepare for emergencies such as resident evacuations, and citizens should strictly follow behavioral guidelines to protect their own safety."

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