Prime Minister Jeong: "COVID-19 Recoverees Should Not Be Marginalized... Discussing Support Measures"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) video conference on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 16th. March 16, 2021. Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 17th, "Neighbors who have struggled to overcome COVID-19 amid fear and isolation must never have to fight social prejudice again or be marginalized in the recovery journey," adding, "We will discuss support measures for COVID-19 survivors."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said in his opening remarks, "The daily recovery we aim for is an 'inclusive recovery' where everyone returns to normalcy without discrimination." He urged, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and related ministries should carefully implement medical, economic, and psychological support measures for survivors," and added, "Especially, continuously monitor to ensure there is no unfair discrimination in workplaces where they return, and actively correct it if necessary."

That day marked the 20th day since the start of COVID-19 vaccinations. Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "With the active participation of the public, over 620,000 people have completed their first dose," but stressed, "To continue smoothly, the spread of COVID-19 must be stably controlled." He continued, "Losing vigilance and allowing a fourth wave would be the most painful mistake," and requested, "We ask the public to participate in preventive measures together."

Meanwhile, as the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Budget and Accounts is scheduled to review the first supplementary budget bill of the year starting on the 18th, Prime Minister Chung said, "The budget, urgently allocated not only for vaccine purchases and quarantine support but also for small business owners, SMEs, and citizens desperately in need of jobs who have endured COVID-19 for over a year," and appealed, "I ask both ruling and opposition parties to swiftly review it with one heart, understanding the feelings of citizens eagerly awaiting damage relief funds." He also added, "The Ministry of Strategy and Finance and related ministries should prepare in advance so that the supplementary budget can be executed immediately once it passes the National Assembly."

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