Prime Minister Jeong: "Inspect quarantine management in local nursing facilities... Testing and management of facility workers necessary"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 16th, "More than 50 confirmed cases occurred at a nursing hospital in Busan at once," adding, "It is important to actively inspect the quarantine management status of nursing facilities, childcare facilities, hospitals, etc. in the region, and to thoroughly test and manage facility workers who commute."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) for the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at Busan City Hall. He stated, "In the case of Busan, the risk factors for COVID-19 have recently increased. To directly oversee the situation on site, we are holding the CDSCH meeting at Busan City Hall."

Since the first confirmed case occurred on the 13th at Haetteurak Nursing Hospital in Mandeok-dong, Buk-gu, Busan, 52 people have been confirmed in a cluster.

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "Due to the nature of nursing hospitals, many elderly patients have underlying diseases, which is a very worrisome situation," and urged, "Busan City should make every effort to ensure that infected patients recover safely with utmost care in treatment."

He continued, "Other local governments should also make proactive blocking efforts so that vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and hospitalized patients are not exposed to the risk of group infections."

Prime Minister Chung also mentioned, "I understand that many citizens are very anxious because numerous confirmed cases have occurred on foreign ships recently arrived at Busan Port," adding, "Fortunately, these cases were diagnosed during quarantine, so the possibility of transmission to the local community is low. However, considering that more than 100 confirmed cases have been reported from foreign ships that have entered the port since June, we must be more vigilant about the possibility of importation through the port."

He stated, "Although we are cautiously going through a week after adjusting the social distancing level, there are still signs of unease," and emphasized, "The war against COVID-19 is still ongoing."

He added, "Wherever people gather, even for family or acquaintances' meetings, COVID-19 can spread like a poisonous mushroom," and concluded, "Only the thorough compliance with quarantine rules by each citizen, tailored responses by local governments, and the consolidation of the government's quarantine capabilities can ultimately complete the sustainable quarantine system we have chosen."

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