Prime Minister Jeong: "Adjust Social Distancing to Level 2 for 2 Weeks... Special Quarantine Period for Chuseok Holiday" (Comprehensive)

"Chuseok Holiday, the Biggest Challenge for COVID-19 Prevention... Requesting All Citizens to Cooperate in Prevention"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The government has decided to ease social distancing in the Seoul metropolitan area from level 2.5 to level 2 for the next two weeks. Instead, it plans to designate the two weeks before and after the Chuseok holiday as a special quarantine period and implement strong nationwide reinforcement measures.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 13th, "After comprehensively reviewing the recent situation and expert opinions, the government intends to adjust social distancing in the metropolitan area to level 2 for the next two weeks," adding, "This decision considered social fatigue and the effectiveness of the quarantine measures confirmed so far."

According to the CDSCH, the number of new COVID-19 cases as of midnight was 121. By region, Seoul reported 31 cases, Gyeonggi 32 cases, and Daegu 14 cases, with many new cases occurring in the metropolitan area.

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "The holiday period including Chuseok and Hangeul Day is expected to be the biggest turning point for COVID-19 quarantine in the second half of the year," and added, "Accordingly, the government will designate the two weeks from September 28 as a special quarantine period and prepare strong nationwide reinforcement measures in advance."

He also urged, "During the special quarantine period including the Chuseok holiday, Gaecheonjeol, and Hangeul Day, although it may be somewhat difficult, I ask all citizens to actively cooperate with quarantine efforts with one heart and one mind."

Furthermore, he noted, "Recently, some resort accommodations have seen a surge in reservations during the Chuseok holiday," and requested, "Please actively participate in efforts to refrain from travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this Chuseok."

Prime Minister Chung also mentioned, "Many patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and returned to daily life are experiencing difficulties," explaining, "Although the virus in the body has disappeared, many suffer from unknown aftereffects. Research results from the U.S. and Europe have confirmed various aftereffects such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and lung damage."

He continued, "This is why all age groups, including young people, must remain vigilant about COVID-19," and requested, "Although investigations are currently underway in our country, I ask the quarantine authorities to also review management plans for aftereffects."

Prime Minister Chung said, "Many who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 complain of psychological burdens caused by the social 'scarlet letter' of being a 'confirmed case.' Anyone can be infected with COVID-19 at this time," and urged, "I hope the public will consider the patient's perspective with empathy."

He added, "We cannot win the war against COVID-19 through blame and hatred, which only leave irreparable wounds on our community," and concluded, "What we need most now is encouragement and support. Let us overcome the current crisis together through mutual encouragement, solidarity, consideration, and concession."

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