Prime Minister Jeong: "Repeated Careful Consideration of 3 Steps... One-Third of Public Institutions to Strictly Implement Remote Work"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 15th, "The government is listening to various opinions and carefully deliberating on whether to raise social distancing to the highest level, Level 3."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung stated, "We must not miss the right timing, but hasty decisions are also forbidden."

He mentioned, "Considering the weight and ripple effects of Level 3, it is necessary to calmly reflect on whether we are all properly practicing the current distancing measures."

He continued, "While the majority of citizens are enduring inconveniences and following quarantine rules well, some are recklessly fueling the fierce spread of COVID-19 through negligence and irresponsibility," emphasizing, "Before moving to Level 3, where everyone must endure irreversible suffering together, we must mobilize all available administrative power to enhance social compliance."

He added, "We will start by properly implementing measures in the public sector," instructing, "Each ministry, local government, and public institution must thoroughly implement at least one-third of their workforce working from home until the end of the year, and under the responsibility of institution heads, strictly enforce bans on dinners and gatherings, and comply with workplace quarantine rules."

He also urged, "We ask the private sector to actively participate as well."

Prime Minister Chung said, "We will also strengthen inspections of quarantine rule compliance on the ground and sanctions against violations," adding, "We will not leave this solely to local governments, which are fatigued by quarantine efforts, but each ministry will directly take action by sector and mobilize police forces to the fullest."

He ordered, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety should promptly prepare and implement joint inspection plans in consultation with each ministry and the National Police Agency."

Finally, Prime Minister Chung concluded, "This is a time when the solidarity and cooperation of the people are more necessary than ever," and said, "If we trust the government and unite our efforts, we can overcome this crisis we face."

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