Jung Sye-kyun Urges "Maximum Restraint on Travel and Movement During Lunar New Year Holiday"... Calls for 'Speed Adjustment' in Social Distancing Reforms

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 5th. 2021.2.5 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 5th, "The third wave has not yet ended," and "I earnestly ask the public once again to refrain from traveling and moving as much as possible during this Lunar New Year holiday."

Regarding the social distancing system that was expected to be reorganized, he said, "Until herd immunity is formed, the foundation of quarantine measures such as wearing masks and social distancing must not be shaken," and added, "The government will prepare for a sustainable social distancing system with a longer-term perspective," indicating a slowdown in the process.

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that morning, Prime Minister Chung said, "While large-scale group infections have decreased, cases transmitted in daily life have increased, resulting in a frustrating stagnation phase of around 400 cases per day," and "Despite this atmosphere, many people seem to be planning trips instead of visiting their hometowns during the Lunar New Year holiday, as accommodations at major tourist spots are already fully booked."

According to a recent survey, about 75% of respondents answered that they have no plans to visit their hometowns during this Lunar New Year holiday. However, Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "Even in Jeju Island alone, about 140,000 people, including tourists, are expected to visit during this holiday," and "Jeju residents are already worried about the spread of COVID-19."

He repeatedly urged, "For the safety of all families, please strictly follow the rule of 'no gatherings of five or more people,' and avoid places where many people gather as much as possible."

Additionally, Prime Minister Chung said, "Following the approval of the special import of the Pfizer vaccine, the decision on the approval of the first domestically produced COVID-19 antibody treatment will be made today," and "Various simulation drills in preparation for the vaccination starting this month are progressing steadily." However, he warned, "It is problematic if our vigilance against COVID-19 is relaxed due to expectations for treatments and vaccinations," and emphasized, "We need to face the fact that in major countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, confirmed cases tended to increase sharply in the early stages of vaccination."

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