Prime Minister Jeong: "Concern Over Reality of 4th Wave... Mandatory 'Basic Quarantine Rules'"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 28th, "If the 4th wave becomes a reality in the second quarter, when COVID-19 vaccination needs to accelerate further, the dream of returning to normal life will be that much farther away," adding, "Starting tomorrow (29th), regardless of the social distancing level, the 'basic quarantine rules' that must be followed together by managers, workers, and users at all facilities will be mandatory."

Prime Minister Chung chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon and said, "Despite it being the weekend, the number of confirmed cases has been fluctuating in the 500s yesterday and today," adding, "It is even more concerning that COVID-19 is occurring again in places that have experienced multiple cluster infections." He further added, "The quarantine authorities are very worried that vigilance may be loosening and that the public may have become desensitized."

Regarding the 'basic quarantine rules' to be implemented from the 29th, he said, "There is nothing new, but many places have not properly complied or practiced them so far," and urged, "During this week, which is set as a guidance period, quarantine authorities, related ministries, and each local government should maximize on-site compliance."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Easter, which is just a week away, is also one of the risk factors for quarantine this week," and urged, "Please prohibit small gatherings or group meals, and strictly follow quarantine rules such as limiting the number of entrants and ventilating facilities."

He said, "The domestic treatment drug we are already using recently received pre-approval for use from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) before formal approval," and added, "About 800,000 people have been vaccinated over the past month, and the pace will accelerate from the second quarter." He continued, "The government pledges to focus all available capabilities on quarantine to prevent the 4th wave and actively support the economic recovery that has just begun to get on track."

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