Prime Minister Jeong: "More Time Needed for the Effect of Metropolitan Area Level 2... Weekend Will Decide Spread"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering opening remarks at the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters Meeting for COVID-19 Response' held on the 27th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 27th, "Social distancing in the metropolitan area is being implemented at level 2, and in the Honam region at level 1.5, but it will take more time for the effects to appear," adding, "I believe it is time to calmly assess the situation and respond wisely." He also predicted, "How we spend this weekend will determine whether the spread will increase next week."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "Today’s meeting will discuss additional measures to strengthen quarantine."

Prime Minister Chung pointed out, "The daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has exceeded 500 for two consecutive days," and added, "This is the highest number in eight months since last March, and it appears that the resurgence is now fully underway domestically."

He expressed concern, saying, "If we fail to stop this spread now, experts’ worries that the number of confirmed cases could rise to 1,000 per day may become a reality."

Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "The more the quarantine measures are strengthened, the greater the restrictions and inconveniences for the people," but added, "If the current spread escalates into a nationwide pandemic, it could cause irreversible damage to the livelihoods of ordinary people and the national economy."

He then requested the public’s participation and cooperation, stating, "Only by the people and government working together can we prevent a greater crisis."

Prime Minister Chung ordered, "Since the average daily number of confirmed cases over the past week has been about 380, we must also make thorough preparations to secure hospital beds for treating severe patients."

Furthermore, he urged, "Quarantine authorities and local governments should secure sufficient hospital beds in advance to prepare for an increase in severe patients by region," and warned, "We must not let the situation where severe patients in Daegu and Gyeongbuk were unable to receive proper treatment due to a shortage of beds happen again."

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