Party and government reach consensus on easing business restrictions... Accelerating treatment and vaccine administration

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the K-New Deal Committee National Crisis Recovery Headquarters inspection meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Before the meeting began, he was seen talking with Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, and Hong Ik-pyo, chairman of the Policy Committee. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The ruling party and the government have agreed to partially ease business suspension measures after the current Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines end on the 17th. They also reaffirmed their intention to provide COVID-19 vaccines and treatments free of charge.

On the 14th, Kim Sung-joo, head of the quarantine headquarters of the Democratic Party's National Crisis Overcoming K-New Deal Committee, said in a meeting with reporters after the K-New Deal Committee's National Crisis Overcoming Headquarters inspection meeting, "Regarding the new social distancing guidelines, we generally agreed on allowing partial permissions rather than imposing blanket bans, while strengthening individual responsibility."

Kim specifically mentioned indoor sports facilities such as gyms, stating, "There is general consensus that if the risk of infection is low, areas that can be permitted should be allowed."

In this regard, Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader, also emphasized in his opening remarks at the meeting, "We must improve quarantine guidelines in a way that the public can accept and that is effective, minimizing dissatisfaction and confusion on the ground."

Additionally, the ruling party and government decided to accelerate the approval and introduction of treatments and vaccination. Representative Lee Nak-yeon said at the meeting, "The current herd immunity schedule is set for November, but there is a simple hope among the people to bring it forward and freely enjoy activities like fall foliage viewing," adding, "We hope the development and securing schedule for vaccines and treatments will be more satisfactory to the public."

He continued, "The president has already announced a policy of free nationwide vaccination. I believe treatments should also be the responsibility of the state," and said, "In that regard, free use is inevitable."

Lee added, "In quarantine measures, fairness and equity among industries and acceptability will be key," and requested, "Please minimize disputes in that regard."

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