Acting Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki: "Reviewing Additional Vaccine Contracts, Mobilizing All Government Resources"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Hong Nam-ki, Acting Prime Minister, is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the 21st. April 21, 2021.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Hong Nam-ki, Acting Prime Minister (Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Minister of Strategy and Finance), said on the 21st, "We will mobilize all government capabilities, including the rapid introduction of pre-contracted vaccine supplies, consideration of additional contracts, and various diplomatic efforts, to secure public trust in the stable supply of vaccines."

Acting Prime Minister Hong chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office in the morning and said, "Under the determination to do our utmost to prevent the 4th wave, the government will focus on securing and administering vaccines without disruption in April and May."

The number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases recently hovered around the 600s but exceeded 700 again on this day. Acting Prime Minister Hong said, "We must never let our guard down," but also added, "When comprehensively comparing the current situation with last year's COVID-19 crisis peak, including confirmed case trends, proactive testing, medical capacity, and vaccine distribution, I hope people maintain vigilance without excessive fear and anxiety." Considering the availability of intensive care unit beds, the significant increase in residential treatment centers, and dedicated infectious disease hospitals, the overall situation management is judged to be better than during the 3rd wave last year.

Acting Prime Minister Hong repeatedly urged, "Please have trust in our testing capacity, medical capabilities, and confidence in the vaccine inoculation plan."

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