Kwon Duck-chul "Domestic cases in the mid-700s... Cluster infections continue in facilities frequented by people in their 20s and 30s"

"Rapid Adjustment of Steps Upon Meeting New Social Distancing Upgrade Criteria"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kwon Deok-cheol, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), expressed concern over the domestic COVID-19 outbreak centered in the metropolitan area and urged young people in their 20s and 30s to comply with quarantine rules. He also announced that starting from the 1st of next month, a new social distancing system will be implemented, and if the number of confirmed cases increases to meet the criteria for raising the level, the stage will be promptly adjusted.

In his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 30th, Deputy Head Kwon stated, "As of midnight today, the number of domestic confirmed cases is expected to be in the mid-700s. This is a very serious situation," adding, "About 83% of the total new confirmed cases, which is in the mid-600s, occurred in the metropolitan area, with Seoul alone recording the mid-300s, which is very concerning."

In particular, the number of confirmed cases is increasing among young people in their 20s and 30s. Deputy Head Kwon expressed concern, saying, "In the metropolitan area, the number of confirmed cases among people in their 20s has increased by more than 20% compared to the previous week, exceeding 500. Cluster infections continue to occur in multi-use facilities such as academies, pubs, and entertainment venues frequently used by young people."

Regarding the nationwide implementation of the revised distancing system starting the next day, he said, "The relaxed distancing is based on the autonomy and responsibility of local governments and individuals to harmonize daily life and quarantine measures, and it can be maintained only when quarantine rules are strictly followed." He emphasized, "If the number of confirmed cases increases to meet the criteria for raising the level, we plan to promptly adjust the distancing stage to reduce the risk of infection."

Deputy Head Kwon said, "Continuous participation is necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19 and achieve herd immunity," and "I earnestly appeal especially to those in their 20s and 30s." He added, "Since the metropolitan area is in a serious situation with increasing confirmed cases, please refrain from gatherings or dinners at workplaces or business sites for the time being."

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