Jung Sye-kyun: "If Stability Is Achieved This Week, Consider Easing Quarantine Measures Before Seollal"

Opening Remarks at the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 1st. 2021.2.1 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] As the government decided to extend the current social distancing measures for two more weeks until the Lunar New Year holiday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 1st, "If we observe the situation this week and gain confidence that we have entered a definite stable phase, we will carefully consider additional easing of quarantine measures even before the Lunar New Year holiday." This appears to leave room for adjustment amid growing backlash from self-employed business owners against the extension of social distancing measures.

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Chung chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and stated in his opening remarks, "Voices expressing suffering in the field of the livelihood economy are growing louder." He continued, "I earnestly appeal once again to the self-employed and small business owners who are enduring day by day with a desperate heart," and urged, "Please trust the government and cooperate with quarantine efforts by enduring just a little longer."

Ahead of the COVID-19 vaccination expected in mid-month, Prime Minister Chung also announced plans to reform the social distancing system. He said, "Sustainable quarantine is essential to form herd immunity in a stable situation," and added, "We must prepare in advance to reform the social distancing system based on 'autonomy and responsibility'." He emphasized, "During the preparation process, we will listen to opinions from all sectors, and especially ensure that the voices of the self-employed and small business owners who are suffering the most right now are sufficiently reflected."

Furthermore, he urged the quarantine authorities, "The Central Accident Response Headquarters, together with related ministries, should actively communicate with relevant associations and organizations from now on and begin devising a quarantine strategy that has high public acceptance and can be sufficiently implemented on the ground."

Regarding the COVID-19 infection situation, Prime Minister Chung said, "In the past week, infections from contact with confirmed cases have reached 33%, and cases with unknown transmission routes exceed 21%," and requested, "The Central Disease Control Headquarters should review creative alternatives to more effectively identify hidden spreaders."

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