Prime Minister Kim: "Over 7,000 Cases for Three Consecutive Days... Adult Booster Shot Interval Set to '3 Months'" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum (second from left) is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response at Incheon City Hall in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the morning of the 10th. 2021.12.10 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The government has decided to shorten the interval for additional COVID-19 vaccinations for adults aged 18 and over from the existing 5 months to '3 months.'

However, despite the recent sharp increase in confirmed cases, the government appears hesitant to implement 'special quarantine measures' such as strengthening social distancing.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at Incheon City Hall on the 10th and stated, "We request the active participation of citizens whose third vaccination is due, including the elderly." He emphasized, "This decision has been made after consultation with experts."

Prime Minister Kim said, "With confirmed cases exceeding 7,000 for three consecutive days, and about 35% of them being elderly people aged 60 and over, the medical response capacity is rapidly being depleted." He expressed concern, saying, "If the government does not exert full effort, the private sector does not voluntarily cooperate, and the public does not cooperate with quarantine measures, we will inevitably fall into a comprehensive crisis in this urgent situation."

However, the government did not take strong measures such as re-strengthening social distancing levels. Prime Minister Kim said, "Although enhanced quarantine measures have been implemented since this week, their effects have not yet become visible," and added, "If it is judged that it will be difficult to reverse the crisis phase our community is facing in the near future, the government will have no choice but to decide on special quarantine measures including strong social distancing."

Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "Rapid vaccination is the top priority," and added, "Basic vaccinations for adolescents must also be accelerated." He announced, "After conducting a demand survey, detailed implementation plans will be prepared by the weekend, and from next week, 'visiting vaccination' at the school level will be actively promoted."

Regarding concerns from parents about adolescent vaccinations, Prime Minister Kim said, "We will provide accurate information and scientific evidence related to vaccination as it is, together with experts."

As the number of critically ill patients rapidly increases, emergency measures to secure medical beds have been activated. Prime Minister Kim said, "While faithfully implementing the three administrative orders issued so far, today we will issue an additional administrative order targeting general hospitals outside the metropolitan area to secure about 1,700 beds," and added, "We expect to secure more than 5,000 beds through additional administrative orders and designation of dedicated base hospitals."

Since field health centers are complaining about manpower shortages, a certain proportion of administrative personnel from local governments will be reassigned to health centers. Additionally, Prime Minister Kim requested, "Private companies and organizations should refrain from dinners, gatherings, and large-scale events," and said, "Companies are once again asked to minimize contact and gatherings by utilizing remote work and flexible work arrangements during the year-end and New Year period."

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