Hong Nam-gi: "If on schedule, the herd immunity timeline can be significantly advanced"

"Considering Exemption from Self-Quarantine for International Students Vaccinated Before Entry"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki said on the 28th, "Ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines arrive on schedule without any disruptions is the most important thing."

Deputy Prime Minister Hong held a press conference for foreign correspondents at the Seoul Press Center on the same day and stated, "Even if the supply from some pharmaceutical companies is delayed, it is expected that there will be no problem in forming herd immunity by November."

He said, "Securing 99 million doses of vaccines is a contract, not just a promise," adding, "No one can predict an extreme disruption, but since this is not based on verbal agreements, I believe the vaccines will arrive as contracted," and "We will mobilize all resources to ensure there are no delays in the introduction."

He continued, "If we consider 20 million doses in the first half and 80 million doses in the third quarter, that totals 100 million doses, enough for the entire population to receive two vaccinations," emphasizing, "If the plan proceeds as scheduled, we can significantly advance the timing of herd immunity to November."

Regarding the delay in securing vaccines, he explained, "As the US and the UK developed vaccines, safety inspections and clinical approvals were conducted, and considering public safety, the process was delayed," adding, "The relatively low number of confirmed cases and fatality rates were also contributing factors."

He also added, "Although the first half is not faster than other places, when considering the entire second half, it is not late."

Deputy Prime Minister Hong stated, "In the second half, both the quantity and the speed of vaccinations can be sufficiently caught up."

He also mentioned, "The government is reviewing the quarantine measures for international students who receive vaccines and then enter the country."

He said, "If they have an electronic vaccination certificate, benefits will be provided, and if vaccination can be confirmed for international students, I think it is possible not to differentiate them," but added, "It is difficult to say anything definitive at this moment."

Earlier, the government announced that it is reviewing measures to ease quarantine rules, including exemption from mandatory self-quarantine upon contact with confirmed cases and upon entry and exit, by utilizing electronic vaccination certificates.

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