Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom Warns "COVID-19 Spread in Seoul Metropolitan Area Could Extend Nationwide"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum recently warned that the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which is centered in the Seoul metropolitan area, could extend nationwide.

On the afternoon of the 24th, Prime Minister Kim attended the International Fire Safety Expo held at Daegu EXCO and responded to reporters' questions asking whether different quarantine guidelines could be applied to the Seoul metropolitan area, where the spread is strong, and the non-metropolitan areas, where the spread is relatively weak.

Judging from Prime Minister Kim's response, it appears that the government is not considering measures to activate emergency plans only for the Seoul metropolitan area.

He said, "First of all, securing hospital beds and medical response in the Seoul metropolitan area itself is not an easy situation, so the government plans to focus on that issue," adding, "Yesterday, Jeollanam-do stated that it would rather consider strengthening quarantine measures, and we will let local governments make such judgments."

Meanwhile, regarding questions about the police's inadequate on-site response during the recent 'weapon rampage' incident in Incheon, Prime Minister Kim said, "I apologize for not showing a more resolute attitude," and emphasized, "Regardless of the apology from the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, the government will thoroughly inspect whether there were any problems within the organization that caused disappointment to the public."

He also briefly mentioned the funeral issue of former President Chun Doo-hwan, who passed away the day before, saying, "The government's principled position has been decided, and I would like to say that this issue considered the sentiments of the people."

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