Ahn Cheol-soo: "Full Lifting of Social Distancing Is an Unwise and Hasty Decision"

COVID-19 Response Message via Transition Team Spokesperson

"Outdoor Mask-Free Declaration Should Be More Cautious"
"Complete Lifting of Isolation Mandate by End of May Is a Premature Approach"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is announcing the merger with the People Power Party at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 18th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the presidential transition committee, expressed concerns about the government's complete lifting of social distancing measures.

Shin Yong-hyun, spokesperson for the transition committee, held a briefing on the afternoon of the 20th at the committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, stating, "Many quarantine experts, including the COVID-19 special task force, are worried that the easing of quarantine measures all at once might weaken the overall vigilance in society," and added, "It is unwise to lift all quarantine measures as if COVID-19 no longer exists." Shin explained that this message was from Chairman Ahn, who is temporarily away from committee duties due to a bereavement.

On the same day, Chairman Ahn, through spokesperson Shin, pointed out, "There are still 100,000 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths daily," and emphasized, "Domestic and international experts unanimously warn of a resurgence this fall and winter, and the threat of new variants after Omicron still remains."

He also stressed the need to "simultaneously implement measures to protect high-risk and vulnerable groups from the dangers of COVID-19 while restoring daily life."

Regarding mask-wearing, Chairman Ahn particularly stated, "Since it is the basic rule and the final line of defense in all infectious disease prevention and control, the declaration of mask-free outdoors should be approached more cautiously," and requested, "I ask the government not to hastily lift mask mandates, which the public adheres to most diligently."

He also criticized the government's post-Omicron response plan, saying, "A more cautious approach is necessary," and added, "Setting a schedule to completely lift isolation requirements by the end of May after a four-week transition period is a rather hasty approach."

In this regard, he also revealed, "The COVID-19 special task force of the transition committee has conveyed to the government the opinion not to finalize the schedule for the transition period."

Furthermore, Chairman Ahn explained, "There are many preparations needed to lift the isolation requirement," such as "how to protect high-risk facilities like nursing hospitals and care facilities, how to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment for high-risk elderly living alone in communities, and how to remobilize the medical system in case of resurgence or new variants, all of which require thorough review and countermeasures."

He concluded, "The next government will lift the isolation requirement only after sufficient review and when it is deemed feasible," and stated, "The recovery of daily life we must pursue is not a return to the pre-COVID-19 era, but a preparation and practice of a new normal that coexists with COVID-19, allowing for safer protection even if it is somewhat inconvenient."

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