Prime Minister Jeong: "Decision on This Week's Social Distancing Adjustment Plan... It Will Be a Difficult Decision"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 11th, "This week, we must decide on the adjustment plan for social distancing measures to be applied from next week," adding, "It will be a difficult decision because we have not yet entered a definite stable phase and must also consider the accumulated social fatigue so far."

Prime Minister Chung made these remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at Seoul City Hall on the same day, saying, "It is Monday, the start of the week."

He said, "Although Monday is a day when many workers usually experience the 'Monday blues,' for workers at workplaces closed due to quarantine measures, it is a day when they want to go to work as soon as possible," emphasizing, "The government will redouble its efforts to overcome COVID-19 so that all citizens can once again experience an ordinary Monday."

He continued, "It is fortunate that the number of confirmed cases has been gradually decreasing recently, but behind this are the sacrifices and tears of countless small business owners and self-employed people nationwide, which weighs heavily on my heart," adding, "To alleviate their pain as soon as possible, this week must be one that decisively suppresses the third wave."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "The most important criteria are still 'compliance and practice,' and 'acceptability on the ground,'" expressing, "Countermeasures can only be effective if the people, who are the main agents of quarantine, can practice and accept them on the ground."

He then said, "In places with a high risk of infection, thorough compliance and practice must be guaranteed, but unreasonable or ineffective measures should be boldly revised," urging, "I hope the quarantine authorities listen carefully to various opinions and prepare quarantine measures that can secure social acceptability and practicability."

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