Prime Minister Kim: "Severe Spread in the Capital Area... If Vaccination or Testing Before Chuseok Is Difficult, Meetings Should Be Postponed"

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 for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the 14th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 14th, "The spread of COVID-19 in the Seoul metropolitan area is severe ahead of Chuseok," and urged, "Please make sure to get vaccinated or tested in advance, and if it is difficult, postponing meetings is the wisest way to protect your parents, family, and neighbors."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "Recently, 80% of the daily average confirmed cases are coming from the Seoul metropolitan area," and added, "The quarantine authorities and local governments in the metropolitan area should concentrate all quarantine capabilities before nationwide movement intensifies." He continued, "Quarantine during the Chuseok holiday period is very important," and reiterated, "For the health and safety of all family members, I ask for minimal movement and gatherings."

He also expressed concern, saying, "This week, traditional markets, marts, and department stores are crowded preparing for the holiday, and logistics centers and delivery industries are busy due to the peak season, making them vulnerable to infection transmission." He then requested, "Each ministry and local government should intensively inspect quarantine conditions in places with high movement and contact during the holiday."

The first dose vaccination rate for COVID-19 exceeded 66% as of the previous day. Prime Minister Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "It is certain that the 70% target for the first dose vaccination will be achieved within this week," and added, "This was possible thanks to the active participation and cooperation of the people." However, regarding the increasing cases of adverse reactions, he said, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters is strengthening measures such as improving the compensation system, but it is still equally important to respond well on-site." He further stated, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency should work with local governments to thoroughly explain behavioral guidelines to vaccine recipients who experience unexpected symptoms and anxiety, and provide sufficient necessary information."

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