Prime Minister Jeong: "Mandatory Mask Wearing from Tomorrow Even in Level 1...Fines Imposed for Violations"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 6th, "Starting tomorrow, wearing masks will be mandatory in any place where many people gather, including buses, taxis, subways, assembly and protest sites, and key and general management facilities, even under Level 1 social distancing," adding, "Fines will be imposed for violations to further strengthen accountability."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Prime Minister Chung announced, "A new social distancing system will be implemented starting tomorrow."

He emphasized, "We must prepare for a long-term battle against COVID-19 and establish a sustainable quarantine system as soon as possible, thinking every day that we are walking a path never taken before."

Prime Minister Chung addressed concerns raised after the announcement of the revised social distancing plan, saying, "Some have expressed worries that the government might neglect quarantine measures for the sake of the economy. However, I would like to clarify that the criteria for adjusting levels based on the number of confirmed cases fully consider the capabilities and quarantine systems we have developed throughout the COVID-19 response process. We also referred to quarantine standards from various countries overseas and adjusted them to fit our reality."

He urged, "Quarantine authorities, each ministry, and local governments should focus on promotional activities until the public fully understands the new quarantine standards and no longer feels inconvenienced."

He continued, "I also ask the public to understand the purpose of this social distancing campaign and to continue their unwavering cooperation and participation."

Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "Today, elementary school care workers are going on strike," expressing concern that "school care may be disrupted amid the COVID-19 situation, raising worries about the safety of children who may not receive proper care."

He particularly noted, "We are concerned about the significant inconvenience to working parents," and instructed, "The Ministry of Education, local education offices, and schools should actively respond by utilizing available personnel to minimize care gaps."

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