Widaeung County Council Member: "Expansion of Private Gatherings to 8 People Needed"

Councilor Wi Deung-gun is delivering a 5-minute free speech at the 266th 1st regular meeting. (Photo by Jangheung-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Councilor Wi Deung of Jangheung County Council urged the expansion of private gatherings to up to 8 people during a 5-minute free speech at the 266th 1st regular meeting.

Councilor Wi Deung stated, "The global pandemic demands changes in all areas of our lives, culture, tourism, transportation, education, and consumer culture. Accordingly, the entire nation has been making every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by strictly adhering to quarantine rules such as wearing masks," adding, "As a result, while neighboring Japan is experiencing an average of over 4,000 confirmed cases per day, our country maintains a level of 500 to 600 cases, and all public officials including medical staff and the entire population are doing their best to prevent further spread."

He continued, "Our county reported its first COVID-19 case on February 17, and after the 11th confirmed case on April 24, no further cases have been reported. The vaccination rate aiming for herd immunity by November shows a high rate of 21%, which is twice the national average of 10.5%. Jeonnam Province, except for some eastern regions, has been piloting a revised plan since the 3rd of last month allowing private gatherings of up to 6 people. While this is somewhat fortunate for small business owners and self-employed individuals, the local economy is still struggling amid the COVID-19 wave," he explained.

Councilor Wi Deung added, "I believe that COVID-19 response policies should be revised according to the trends of confirmed cases by region. For areas like our county, where no cases have been reported for over a month, it is time for the executive branch to actively consider expanding the number of people allowed in private gatherings from 6 to 8," he asserted.

In his 5-minute free speech, Councilor Wi Deung actively expressed that easing COVID-19 response policies by region would relieve the fatigue of residents caused by COVID-19 and revitalize the local economy.

Finally, he urged, "When everyone is struggling, rather than suppressing life, I speak about the necessity of expanding private gatherings to 8 people with the intention of overcoming these difficult times together with the residents through coexistence and effective policies, and I ask for active consideration."

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