Ruling Party and Government Reconfirm Free Supply of Vaccines and Therapeutics: "Collective Immunity Schedule Should Be Moved Up to November"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a speech at the K-New Deal Committee National Crisis Recovery Headquarters inspection meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] The ruling party and government have reaffirmed their intention to provide COVID-19 vaccines and treatments free of charge. Regarding social distancing guidelines, they also expressed their intention to improve various unreasonable measures raised at the field level.

On the morning of the 14th, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, participated in the National Crisis Overcoming K-New Deal Committee's National Crisis Overcoming Headquarters inspection meeting and said, "The current herd immunity schedule is until November, but there is a humble hope among the people whether it can be brought forward, so that they can freely enjoy autumn foliage outings," adding, "I hope the schedule for vaccine and treatment development and procurement will be more satisfactory to the public."

He continued, "The president has already announced a policy of free vaccination for all citizens. I also believe that treatments should be the responsibility of the state," and said, "In that regard, they will inevitably be used free of charge."

Lee said, "I think fairness and acceptability between industries will be key in quarantine measures," and requested, "Please minimize disputes in that regard."

Following this discussion tone between the ruling party and government, it is expected that the approval and introduction of treatments and vaccination will accelerate. For treatments, conditional approval is being discussed for late January to early February. The Central Disease Control Headquarters explained that vaccination will be possible by the end of February.

Adjustments and institutional improvements to social distancing are also expected. Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, said, "We must improve quarantine guidelines in a way that the public can accept and that is effective, minimizing dissatisfaction and confusion at the field level," adding, "We will thoroughly discuss measures such as vaccines, treatments, and quarantine fairness to ensure no gaps in the rapid recovery of daily life."

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