Prime Minister Jeong's National Address: "Refrain from Year-End Gatherings... Please Stay Home" (Update)

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) held on the 17th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun appealed to the public on the 20th through a national address to refrain from various year-end gatherings as much as possible.

In his national address, Prime Minister Chung said, "The current rate of spread is very fast, comparable to the crisis situation in Daegu and Gyeongbuk last February," and added, "If we fail to reverse the current spread, our daily lives, which had somewhat eased, will be restricted again."

He continued, "Dear citizens, more than ever, our collective practice is important," and urged, "Please refrain from various gatherings planned for the year-end as much as possible, and stay at home as much as possible except for essential activities."

Prime Minister Chung also mentioned specific action guidelines for each group.

He requested, "For those aged 60 and over, please pay attention to winter health care and minimize unnecessary outings and meetings," and "Office workers should postpone or cancel year-end parties and dinners, and companies should participate in workplace quarantine through telecommuting."

He also asked, "Due to the characteristics of many asymptomatic infections among young people, it is difficult to manage the scope and speed of the spread," and urged, "Please refrain from face-to-face activities except for essential cases such as studies."

Prime Minister Chung said, "The government and the public sector will take the lead," and added, "Each ministry, local government, and public institution nationwide will implement strengthened quarantine measures such as refraining from various dinners and gatherings, minimizing face-to-face meetings, and promoting telecommuting starting next week."

He especially emphasized that the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is just two weeks away and said, "I ask all citizens to consider and protect our children with the heart of a parent."

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