Prime Minister Kim: "Serious Situation in the Capital Area... Discussing Additional Quarantine Strengthening"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the 4th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 4th, "The rapid spread of COVID-19 is not stopping easily. The situation in the metropolitan area is particularly serious," adding, "We will focus on inspecting the metropolitan area situation and discuss additional measures to strengthen quarantine."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "If we cannot stabilize the metropolitan area now, nationwide quarantine and the general public vaccination, which will be fully underway again from the end of this month, will never proceed smoothly."

The daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases recently surged, fluctuating between 700 and 800. In particular, the infection reproduction number has risen to 1.25. An infection reproduction number above 1 means the epidemic can spread.

Prime Minister Kim earnestly requested local governments in the metropolitan area, "Please mobilize all means and capabilities to block the spread of infection," and asked to "strengthen proactive testing for pubs, karaoke rooms frequented by young people, and workers at schools and academies, and speed up epidemiological investigations." He especially emphasized, "Please respond with a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of quarantine rules."

He also urged the public, "Please refrain from gatherings and dinners, and if you have even the slightest suspicion, get tested immediately," adding, "Especially in the metropolitan area, regardless of vaccination status, please wear masks both indoors and outdoors for the time being."

Despite the government's warnings, regarding the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) that held a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul the previous day, he expressed "deep regret," and said, "Those who attended the rally must get tested if they have any suspicious symptoms." He further ordered, "The National Police Agency and Seoul City should hold those confirmed to have violated the law fully accountable according to law and principles."

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