Lee Jae-myung "COVID-19 Spread Faster Than Expected... Considering Highest-Level Response"

Refrain from On-Site Primary Activities Except for Broadcasts for the Time Being, Minimize Primary Campaign Staff

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated that the spread of the COVID-19 variant virus is approaching faster than expected and that he is considering raising the response level to the highest stage.

He also promised to refrain from on-site primary election activities other than non-face-to-face methods such as broadcasting for the time being, and to minimize the personnel of the primary election camp as a local government official.

On the 8th, through a post titled "I will focus on defending against the COVID-19 pandemic" on Facebook, Lee said, "I visited the Goyang City Living Treatment Center yesterday (7th)" and expressed concern about the current situation, saying, "The number of confirmed cases has surged in a few days, and although we were prepared for another big wave, it is coming faster and bigger than expected."

He added, "We will tighten our vigilance again and prepare emergency measures," and "We are considering raising the response level to the highest stage, even to the point of being excessive."

However, he said, "Although the situation is very serious, there is no need to be overly worried," and explained, "Vaccinations have progressed significantly, especially among the elderly, so despite the increase in infections, there are not many severe or critical patients."

He further explained, "This alone is really fortunate," and "If managed so that patients do not progress to severe cases but remain mild, there will be no major problems for the safety of the people's lives."

Moreover, he stated, "As a local government official, I have the duty to prioritize the responsibilities entrusted to me by the sovereign people," and promised, "I will prioritize quarantine activities and focus on defending against the COVID-19 pandemic."

He also asked for understanding from the public and party members who have great interest in the Democratic Party primary, saying, "For the time being, I will refrain from on-site primary election activities other than non-face-to-face methods such as broadcasting, and minimize the operation of the primary election camp."

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