"Violation of Quarantine Measures, Firm Accountability Inevitable... Need to Manage Power Reserve Margin" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in emphasized that there can be no exceptions to compliance with COVID-19 quarantine measures and that firm accountability for violations is inevitable. He also called for strengthening support for vulnerable groups susceptible to heatwaves and urged careful management of power reserve rates.

On the afternoon of the 19th, President Moon presided over a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House and stated, "No one can have exceptions or privileges in complying with quarantine measures."

President Moon said, "The biggest immediate task is to end the high-intensity quarantine measures to block the spread of COVID-19 'quickly and decisively.' Even though it is difficult, firm and strict accountability for violations of quarantine measures is inevitable for the sake of the majority of good citizens who comply with the measures."

This was a reiteration of his intention to hold groups such as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and churches accountable for violating quarantine measures. President Moon had also declared a zero-tolerance policy for violations during the metropolitan area quarantine strengthening meeting held on the 7th.

President Moon also requested cooperation with quarantine measures amid the resurgence of COVID-19. He said, "The government is implementing Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area this week as well, tightening the reins of quarantine nationwide by raising levels and strengthening restrictions on private gatherings. I deeply thank the citizens who are actively cooperating with the strengthened government quarantine measures by refraining from movement and meetings despite the inconvenience and sacrifices."

He added, "The sacrifices and dedication of medical staff and quarantine workers are heartbreaking. Despite the accumulated fatigue from over a year and a half of responding to COVID-19 and the recent heatwave worsening difficulties, they are fighting on the front lines to protect the lives and safety of the people. I express my infinite respect and gratitude." President Moon also praised the efforts of medical staff during his visit to the temporary COVID-19 screening site near Samsung Station on the 18th.

President Moon said, "The cooperation of the citizens and the dedication of medical and quarantine personnel will surely yield results," and added, "The government will thoroughly enforce quarantine and further accelerate the pace of vaccination."

He also announced vaccination plans for those under 40. President Moon said, "Along with efficient utilization of vaccine supplies, we will promptly prepare vaccination plans for citizens under 40 so that they can predict 'when I will get vaccinated.'"

Expressing concern over the damage to small business owners and self-employed people due to strengthened quarantine measures, he emphasized support through the supplementary budget and the Loss Compensation Act. President Moon said, "The government’s intention to expand support for small business owners and the self-employed by supplementing the supplementary budget during the National Assembly’s deliberation process is clear," and "we will also expand the scale of support under the Loss Compensation Act and prepare for rapid execution," he said, requesting cooperation from the National Assembly.

Ahead of the heatwave, he emphasized support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and homeless and instructed thorough management of power reserve rates.

President Moon said, "We must implement protection measures for the elderly vulnerable to heatwaves and strengthen field activities for the homeless and residents of small rooms," adding, "Please ensure thorough management of power reserve rates during the heatwave period." He also called for measures to protect workers at high risk of heatstroke, prevention of damage in rural fishing villages, and strengthening of surveillance activities.

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