Prime Minister Jeong Discusses Next Week's Social Distancing Adjustment Measures and Lunar New Year Quarantine Plans

"Will Ultimately Decide the Outcome in the Fight Against the 3rd Wave"
"Check Safety and Effectiveness Including Vaccine Preparation and Priorities"
"Correct False and Manipulated Information... Strictly Punish Distribution Acts"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 15th, "Today, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) will discuss both the adjustment plan for social distancing to be applied from next week and the quarantine measures in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday next month."

At the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Prime Minister Chung stated, "This quarantine measure will ultimately determine the final outcome in the fight against the third wave."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "I am well aware that for some, this is a crucial policy decision affecting their family's livelihood, and for others, it concerns health and life," adding, "I will do my best to deliberate intensely with a heavy sense of responsibility to reach the wisest conclusion."

He also added, "Immediately after the CDSCH meeting, I will personally attend the Living Quarantine Committee to fully listen to the opinions of experts from various fields."

Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "A survey result by domestic researchers reflecting our people's perception of the vaccine is attracting attention," noting, "While 80% of respondents expressed willingness to be vaccinated, 7 out of 10 said they would 'wait and see before getting vaccinated' rather than getting vaccinated first."

He continued, "Although people recognize the risk of COVID-19, concerns about the safety of vaccines developed in a short period still remain," and stated, "The government will thoroughly review the vaccine preparation status, vaccination priority, as well as safety and efficacy issues, and explain them to the public as needed."

Prime Minister Chung pointed out, "Recently, baseless claims such as vaccines altering our body's genes or the government using vaccines as a means to monitor and control the public have been circulating," emphasizing, "This is an issue directly related not only to public health but also to the government's credibility, and it cannot be taken lightly."

He then instructed, "I ask the quarantine authorities to promptly correct false and fabricated information with facts, and related ministries such as the Korea Communications Commission to strictly punish those who spread such information and actively respond."

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