Prime Minister Jeong: "Concerns Over Re-spread During Chuseok Holiday... Preferably Rest at Home" (Comprehensive)

"Social Distancing Level 2 Extended for 2 Weeks... Metropolitan Area Quarantine Measures Maintained for Another Week"
"Confirmed Cases Decreasing but Too Early to Relax... Must Reduce to Below 100"
"Violations That Undermine Measures Continue... Responding with Zero Tolerance Principle"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on the 6th said, "Although the number of confirmed cases has gradually decreased over the past two weeks, we must capitalize on this momentum and reduce the daily cases to below 100 for sure," and urged, "During this holiday, please minimize movement and stay at home as much as possible to take time to rest."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "The nationwide social distancing level 2 will be extended for two weeks starting tomorrow, and enhanced quarantine measures in the metropolitan area will be maintained for one more week."

He encouraged, "I feel truly sorry when I think about how much the people are struggling," and added, "There are still many citizens who are enduring personal sacrifices for the well-being of the community."

He continued, "Small business owners and self-employed people, who are barely making ends meet, are closing their shops to block the spread of the infectious disease. What they are closing is their livelihood and their children's future," and said, "How devastating and heartbreaking it must be. The government will do its utmost to consider and swiftly implement measures so that the sacrifices of all citizens do not go in vain."

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "With cluster infections continuing nationwide, there is worry that the Chuseok holiday could become a trigger for another resurgence," and mentioned, "We will discuss quarantine measures in preparation for the Chuseok holiday at today's meeting."

He also requested, "During this holiday, we ask the public to minimize movement and stay at home as much as possible to rest," and said, "The government will promote measures to reduce the use of public transportation and lower crowd density."

He further urged, "Please actively utilize non-face-to-face methods such as online memorial services and grass-cutting proxy services," and instructed, "The relevant ministries should reflect this approach in the joint Chuseok livelihood measures currently being prepared."

Prime Minister Chung also pointed out, "Recently, there was a case where people evaded the metropolitan area's quarantine network and moved to Daejeon to hold religious small gatherings, which were detected through reports. In addition, violations such as door-to-door sales meetings and covert business operations after 9 p.m. continue to occur, undermining the hard efforts of the majority of citizens," and raised his voice, saying, "The government will not make any concessions or compromises to attempts to nullify the dedication and sacrifices of the people."

He added, "The government will strengthen crackdowns and inspections more thoroughly until acts of deliberately refusing, concealing, and obstructing quarantine rules are eradicated," and emphasized once again, "If illegal acts are confirmed, we will respond strictly with a zero-tolerance policy."

Finally, Prime Minister Chung said, "Typhoon No. 10 'Haishen' is expected to pass over the East Sea rather than crossing inland as initially predicted, but since it is a very strong typhoon, thorough preparation is necessary," and ordered, "The relevant ministries and local governments should take preemptive and bold measures in areas at risk of damage such as high waves, storm surges, and landslides."

He especially requested, "Since the typhoon will pass over our country during the daytime, the public should refrain from daily activities and protect their own safety."

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