Jung Sye-kyun: "From Today, Fines for Not Wearing Masks on Public Transport and in Medical Facilities"

"Actual fines imposed after one-month guidance period"
"Population and Housing Census conducted... Thorough non-face-to-face survey and quarantine measures"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presiding over the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 13th. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 13th, "Starting today, the amended 'Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act,' which imposes fines on those who do not follow quarantine rules such as not wearing masks on public transportation and in medical institutions, will be enforced. However, to prevent public confusion, actual fines will be imposed after a one-month guidance period."

At the 52nd Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "With COVID-19 vaccines and treatments not yet secured, wearing masks is the most effective way to block COVID-19 infection and transmission."

He explained, "One of the reasons our country was able to perform well in quarantine was because the majority of the public wore masks. This measure is not primarily aimed at punishment or fine collection."

He added, "It is an unavoidable measure to preemptively block the risks that some who do not wear masks may cause, in order to protect all of us from the threat of COVID-19."

Regarding the '2020 Population and Housing Census' to be conducted from the 15th of this month to the 18th of next month, Prime Minister Chung said, "Through this census conducted once every five years, we will grasp the population size, living conditions, and housing characteristics of all residents, both domestic and foreign, living in our country. It is the largest national statistical survey and the most important survey that forms the basis for numerous statistics."

He urged, "Through the Population and Housing Census, we can face the rapidly changing reality due to COVID-19 and prepare faithfully for the future, so I ask for the active cooperation of the public."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Especially for this census, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, citizens can conveniently respond to the survey non-face-to-face via mobile phones and telephone. The Statistics Korea and local governments should actively promote non-face-to-face surveys and ensure thorough quarantine measures when in-person visits are unavoidable."

He highlighted, "The top priority in the fourth quarter remains flawless quarantine and rapid economic recovery. Besides COVID-19 response, there are many pending issues that must yield results within this year for economic innovation, inclusive growth, and public safety, as well as numerous conflicts to resolve and legislative tasks requiring cooperation with the National Assembly."

He urged, "Each ministry should recall the initial resolve at the start of this year and closely inspect the implementation status of their respective tasks. For tasks with achievements, inform the public well, and for areas lacking progress, promptly supplement them to ensure the intended policy effects are realized."

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