Prime Minister Kim: "It's Not Time to Take Off Masks Immediately, but Gradual Return to Normal Life" (Update)

First Daily Recovery Support Committee Meeting Held on the 13th

"Review of New Quarantine Measures Including Vaccine Pass... Strengthening the Medical System"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated on the 13th, "We are not saying to immediately throw away masks, but we will promote a phased and gradual return to daily life."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim held the 1st COVID-19 Daily Recovery Support Committee meeting at the Government Seoul Office and made these remarks. Prime Minister Kim and Professor Choi Jae-cheon, Chair Professor of the Department of Eco-Science at Ewha Womans University, serve as co-chairs, and 40 public-private committee members including the chairs are preparing policies for phased daily recovery (With COVID-19).

Prime Minister Kim diagnosed, "Soon, 70% of the entire population will complete vaccination," and added, "Although the number of confirmed cases may not decrease significantly immediately, the rates of severe cases and fatality have clearly declined."

He explained, "Now, based on the achievements in quarantine and the increased vaccination rate, the government intends to prepare the journey toward phased daily recovery," and said, "We are by no means saying to 'throw away masks' immediately, nor is it possible at this stage, but in the process of preparing for daily recovery, we want to steadily pursue a balance between quarantine and daily life."

He cited three basic principles for daily recovery: ▲ phased and gradual daily recovery ▲ inclusive daily recovery ▲ daily recovery together with the people. He also announced that the introduction of new quarantine management methods such as vaccine passes will be considered. Prime Minister Kim said, "For multi-use facilities and others, to reduce the risk of possible infections, new quarantine management methods like the 'vaccine pass' should also be considered."

He emphasized that the vulnerable groups suffered greater damage from COVID-19 and that an 'inclusive recovery' must be achieved. He stated, "The impact of COVID-19 was harsher on socially disadvantaged groups and further deepened gaps in education and employment sectors," and stressed, "In the upcoming post-COVID era, creating inclusive conditions so that every citizen can hold greater hope and regain vitality in life is also an important task."

Since the impact of COVID-19 and the direction of daily recovery may differ for each individual, he judged that building consensus is important. Prime Minister Kim said, "Only by setting priorities based on national consensus and focusing on urgent tasks can success be guaranteed," and emphasized, "Creating highly acceptable implementation plans will be a test of our society’s democracy and conflict resolution capabilities."

Prime Minister Kim stated that future agenda setting and policy design related to With COVID-19 will be addressed mainly through the Daily Recovery Support Committee. He said, "Through intense discussions, I expect the committee to present the blueprint for phased daily recovery that our society aims for and should move toward," and added, "The government will firmly support the committee’s activities."

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