President Moon: "Concerns about vaccine rollout delays are unfounded... Starting February next year"

Opening Remarks at the Final Chief and Senior Secretary Meeting of the Year

President Moon Jae-in is finishing his remarks at the Chief Secretary and Aide Meeting held at the Blue House on the afternoon of the 28th. 2020.12.28 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in said on the 28th regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, "There are concerns in some quarters that our country has not secured enough vaccines or that vaccinations will be delayed," adding, "This is not true." He also stated, "The government expects to begin vaccinations starting in February next year, prioritizing groups such as medical personnel, residents and workers in elderly care facilities."

President Moon chaired the last senior secretaries and aides meeting of the year at the Blue House and said, "The government has been operating a pan-government support system for several months and has been making every effort to secure vaccines by consulting experts," adding, "We are proceeding without any setbacks according to the original plan." He continued, "We have already secured sufficient quantities and are working to secure additional supplies to prepare for unexpected situations."

President Moon emphasized, "Support for the development of domestic vaccines is not being neglected," adding, "This is essential in establishing vaccine sovereignty in preparation for the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic." He also said, "We are accelerating the development of domestic therapeutics," and stated, "Although there is still a gap compared to the global level in vaccine development, the government has previously expressed the expectation that therapeutics will not fall behind, and progress has been made without setbacks so far."

Regarding the domestic daily confirmed cases fluctuating in the 1,000 range, President Moon said, "While we are recording an average of 1,000 cases per day, the United States has an average of 230,000, the United Kingdom 34,000, Germany 25,000, and Japan 2,800," evaluating this as "an achievement that our people have accomplished together with one heart."

President Moon said, "Even though we are performing miraculously in quarantine and the economy amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the suffering experienced by the people is immeasurable," adding, "The government will never ignore this fact but will face it directly and will do its utmost to overcome difficulties together."

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