Yoon: "Tighten Quarantine Response... Private Experts Should Attend Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters Meetings" (Comprehensive)

-Advisory Committee Chair Appointed as 'COVID-19 Response Headquarters Chief'... Yoon: "Leave No Room for Error"
-Soothing 'Gyeongran' (警亂)... Visits Police Substation: "Will Improve System and Treatment for Uniformed Officers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] President Yoon Seok-yeol has ordered the appointment of the chairperson of the Infectious Disease Response Advisory Committee, composed of private citizens, as the head of the COVID-19 Response Headquarters. The intention is to have private experts who have been advising at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meetings directly participate in the policy-making stage to make the quarantine response more thorough.

On the morning of the 29th, at the Government Seoul Office, where he presided over the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for the first time, President Yoon said, "Since July, we have established and operated a National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee composed of private experts, but if necessary, have experts attend the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meetings directly, beyond just advising," giving such instructions.

President Yoon stated, "The state must fully fulfill its responsibilities in protecting the lives and safety of the people," and added, "Prepare and respond thoroughly to ensure there are no gaps in quarantine measures." In particular, he emphasized, "Appoint the chairperson of the advisory committee as the ‘COVID-19 Response Headquarters Head’ so that they can perform this role and be able to explain the basis and results of decision-making."

He also mentioned checking specific matters such as testing sites and testing costs. President Yoon said, "Carefully re-examine whether there is any inconvenience to the people and ensure there are no setbacks in securing sufficient improved vaccines and treatments," and added, "I hope the quarantine authorities will also communicate in detail and explain objectively and scientifically so that the public can trust the policies, rather than feeling sacrifice or coercion."

After the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting, President Yoon visited the Sinchon Police Station in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to inspect the police security response posture in preparation for the vacation season. Some interpret this move as an effort to appease frontline police officers in light of the recent ‘Gyeongran’ (警亂, police unrest) following the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. President Yoon said, "I will continue to pay attention to improving systems and treatment so that uniformed officers can work with pride and confidence."

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