The Government Distributes Consumption Coupons... Prime Minister Jeong Urges "Please Stay at Home" (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Economy and Finance: "Consumption Coupons Will Continue... Reconsideration If COVID-19 Worsens"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Amid concerns over the third large-scale resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), there appears to be confusion caused by conflicting quarantine responses within the government.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun once again urged the public to refrain from face-to-face activities in a national address on the 20th. The fact that Prime Minister Chung made an unusual appeal through a national address indicates the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation.

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

He continued, "For those aged 60 and over, please pay attention to winter health management and minimize unnecessary outings and meetings," and requested, "Office workers should postpone or cancel year-end parties and gatherings, 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 requested, "Please refrain from face-to-face activities except for essential cases such as studies."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the same day, as of midnight, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases increased by 363, bringing the total to 30,017. This is an increase from the previous day (343 cases), marking three consecutive days with over 300 cases.

However, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, responsible for fiscal policy, announced that it will continue the consumer coupon program, raising concerns about confusion in the public's quarantine response.

Kim Yong-beom, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said on the 19th, "Under social distancing level 1.5, the consumer coupon project will continue under thorough quarantine measures," adding, "If the spread worsens, we will review it again with the relevant ministries at that time."

Additionally, there are criticisms that promoting international sightseeing flights without landing increases the risk of large-scale group infections. Previously, the government decided to allow duty-free purchases on so-called 'no-landing flights,' where passengers board and return without landing anywhere, to help duty-free shops and the airline industry, which are facing a crisis due to COVID-19.

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