President Moon: "36 million people completed first dose... Gradual return to normal life hopes accelerated"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in expressed gratitude for the fact that the number of people who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has surpassed 36 million (70%), calling it an "amazing vaccination speed." He also hinted that the 'gradual recovery of daily life' could be accelerated.

On the 17th, President Moon stated through social networking services (SNS), "Excluding Iceland with a population of 340,000 among OECD countries, this is a record achieved in the shortest period, demonstrating an amazing vaccination speed."

On the same day, Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Task Force (Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), announced that the number of people receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to exceed 36 million by today.

President Moon said, "In terms of speed, South Korea has shown unmatched strength in vaccine administration," adding, "This is thanks to our country's excellent vaccination infrastructure, the dedicated efforts of medical staff, and the high participation awareness of the people. I express my sincere gratitude once again."

He predicted that if vaccinations continue at this pace, the gradual recovery of daily life could be brought forward. President Moon emphasized, "We are now moving toward vaccinating 80% of the population, and soon, our vaccination completion rate will be among the highest in the world. If we continue to increase the vaccination rate while implementing appropriate quarantine measures, the hope for a gradual recovery of daily life will surely be accelerated."

President Moon offered special comfort and encouragement to small business owners and self-employed individuals who are struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, saying, "I understand your difficulties well." He added, "Although the situation will not be resolved with just the first dose, if the second dose is administered earlier, conditions will gradually improve."

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