Prime Minister Jeong Urges Preparation of Measures After Special Measures Period and Social Distancing End on Weekend

"Cluster Infections and Year-End Travel... High Possibility of a Sharp Increase in Confirmed Cases"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun. / Photo by Jin-hyeong Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chae-seok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged the relevant authorities on the 30th to "meticulously prepare a quarantine strategy for after the special measures period (from the 24th of last month to the 3rd of next month) and the end of the social distancing phase this weekend."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at Seoul City Hall that morning, Prime Minister Chung said, "About 40% of the cumulative confirmed cases have occurred in the past month, making this outbreak the biggest turning point."

He warned, "With cluster infections continuing recently in nursing hospitals and religious facilities, and with increased movement and gatherings during the year-end and New Year holidays, there is a sufficient possibility of a rapid surge in confirmed cases."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "It is necessary to meticulously prepare quarantine strategies for after the special measures period and the social distancing phase end this weekend," and added, "The government will carefully consider quarantine measures by comprehensively taking into account trends in confirmed cases, testing capacity, and medical response capabilities."

He requested, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters should deeply discuss with each ministry, local governments, and experts to prepare alternatives."

Regarding the damage relief measures announced the previous day, Prime Minister Chung conveyed, "They include a budget of about 800 billion won to support private hospitals and medical personnel who are contributing to the COVID-19 response."

He also instructed, "We must not cause disappointment by delaying budget execution," and urged, "Please implement support measures as quickly as possible."

Finally, he said, "There is a forecast of a cold wave dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius centered on the central region starting today," and expressed, "Despite the harsh conditions, many people including medical staff, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and public officials are dedicating themselves at the quarantine sites. I deeply thank them."

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