Prime Minister Kim: "Social Distancing Can Be Raised Anytime... Strict Response to Minnochoong Rally" (Update)

COVID-19 National Address

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is delivering a national address at the government Seoul office briefing room on the 2nd, requesting restraint for the nationwide labor rally planned by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions over the weekend. Present at the announcement were Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Jung Eun-kyeong, and Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters Kim Hee-gyeom. 2021.7.2 Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom said on the 2nd, "Quarantine is facing a serious crisis," and added, "The government will raise social distancing levels at any time and additionally consider quarantine measures that are effective on the ground." He also warned the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which has announced a large-scale rally this weekend, saying, "We will respond strictly by mobilizing all means."

In a public address on COVID-19 quarantine measures that afternoon, Prime Minister Kim said, "It is urgent to curb the spread of COVID-19 starting from the metropolitan area."

Prime Minister Kim said, "After a gradual decrease in confirmed COVID-19 cases last month, the numbers have risen again since last week, exceeding 800 today," adding, "This is the highest number since January this year." He expressed concern, saying, "The situation in the metropolitan area is serious," and "90% of infections with the highly transmissible Delta variant are occurring in the metropolitan area."

The government, which initially planned to apply new social distancing measures easing gathering limits from this month, postponed it by a week for the metropolitan area. Prime Minister Kim said, "The new social distancing is based on the principle of 'autonomy and responsibility,' expanding the authority of each local government to adjust levels, but responsibility follows as well," and urged, "Please flexibly implement regional measures such as gathering bans, operational restrictions, and expanded testing to prevent infection spread according to the epidemic situation."

Prime Minister Kim particularly addressed the KCTU, which plans a large-scale rally on the 3rd, saying, "A large-scale rally in the metropolitan area now is a dangerously reckless act that could pour fuel on the spreading flames of COVID-19," and requested, "I hope you make the decision to withdraw this rally even now." Before the address, he visited the KCTU office in Jung-gu, Seoul, that morning, but the KCTU refused to meet, expressing their intention to proceed with the rally.

Prime Minister Kim strongly warned, "If the rally is carried out, the government clearly states that it will strictly respond by mobilizing all means available to protect the lives of the people," and "The government will not tolerate any actions that hinder the hopeful steps toward a more normal daily life through vaccination."

He also appealed to the public, saying, "Please refrain from gatherings and dinners for the time being, and even if vaccinated, be sure to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor places," and repeatedly urged, "Protect yourself, your family, and our society through thorough quarantine."

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