Ahn Cheol-soo: "Preparation for the Post-Corona Era Is Late... We Must Start Even Now"

"Need to Develop Sustainable Social Distancing"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, stated on the 4th, “The post-COVID-19 era will revolve around the keyword ‘untact,’ leading to a new normal where things that were not part of everyday life until now will become routine. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will not be a distant future but will be accelerated to start from that very point. Efforts to prepare for the post-COVID-19 era are already late. It is time to start even now.”

At a policy discussion titled ‘Experience and Overcoming of the Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19)’ held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building that day, Ahn said, “If the pandemic ends by the end of next year, the post-COVID-19 era will begin in 2022, leaving only about one year and two months to prepare.”

Ahn added, “We face a period ahead that is twice as long as the hardships we have endured so far. I believe the seminar’s theme is about what we must do, and naturally, it is to manage COVID-19 better. The number of confirmed cases is not a very good management indicator. There is a high possibility of a large-scale second wave during the remaining period, so we must develop proper indicators to prevent it. All decisions must be based on data.”

Ahn emphasized, “It is important to develop sustainable social distancing methods. Germany, for example, is already attempting such measures. They gather volunteers in large opera halls, seat them closely, then at 2-meter intervals, then at 4-meter intervals. Fluid dynamics experts study airflow to find ways to minimize infection, and the government recommends sustainable social distancing methods based on these findings. We urgently need to attempt similar measures.”

Ahn cited the reasons South Korea has managed COVID-19 well so far as ▲high civic awareness ▲dedicated efforts of medical staff ▲experience with MERS ▲and the healthcare system.

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