Prime Minister Kim: "Level 2 Social Distancing in Non-Capital Areas... Apologies for Vaccine Reservation Disruptions" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the 14th. 2021.7.14 Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced on the 14th, "Starting tomorrow, all cities and provinces nationwide except for four regions?Sejong, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk?will apply the new Level 2 social distancing measures." He apologized for the recent suspension of vaccine reservation without prior notice, saying, "We are sorry."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and announced the social distancing levels for non-metropolitan areas. Accordingly, private gatherings are allowed up to 8 people, and various entertainment facilities including restaurants and cafes can operate until midnight. Sejong, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk will maintain Level 1, with no restrictions on gathering sizes or business hours. However, Prime Minister Kim added, "Strengthened quarantine measures such as limits on private gathering sizes and business hours will also be additionally implemented by region."

With more than 1,100 new confirmed cases reported only in the metropolitan area the previous day, the total daily confirmed cases are expected to reach the 1,600 range, setting a new record high.

Prime Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "While the COVID-19 emergency situation continues in the metropolitan area, the average daily number of confirmed cases in non-metropolitan areas has more than doubled compared to last week, and infection cases are appearing not only in entertainment facilities but also in workplaces, schools, and various daily settings. With the summer vacation and school breaks, increased movement between regions raises the risk of COVID-19 spreading."

He emphasized, "In times of crisis, we must adhere to the basics of quarantine," and urged, "Local governments should devote all efforts to active diagnostic testing, rapid epidemiological investigations, and sufficient expansion of medical capacity." He also added, "Intensive on-site inspections are necessary at summer vacation spots such as beaches and tourist destinations where crowds gather."

As the quarantine situation becomes increasingly serious, demand for vaccination is also surging. However, on the 12th, vaccine reservation for citizens aged 55 to 58 was suspended without prior notice, leading to a flood of complaints. Regarding this, Prime Minister Kim explained, "We sincerely apologize for causing worry and inconvenience. There was no disruption in the supply of vaccine doses, but there was a lack of consideration in administrative preparations."

He stressed, "Reservation for vaccination will resume from 8 p.m. today, and the vaccination schedule will be extended to ensure that everyone can receive their vaccination smoothly."

Prime Minister Kim reiterated, "There is sufficient vaccine supply, and vaccinations will proceed as planned without disruption," and said, "We will improve the reservation system and communicate more actively so that citizens can receive vaccinations quickly and conveniently in the future."

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