GOV’T MOST LIKELY NOT TO EXTEND STRICT MEASURES

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Quarantine authorities say the strict social distancing measures will not be extended if the situation remains stable by this coming weekend. They are also urging the public to refrain from traveling during the Chuseok holiday and have vowed to take stern measures against rallies planned for National Foundation Day in early October.

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The number of new COVID-19 cases in Korea has remained below 200 for eight consecutive days. Quarantine authorities say the number of cases is decreasing slowly because there have been asymptomatic people and those with light symptoms for months now, triggering a series of cluster infections. Statistics show people who are 60 and older account for about 36 percent of COVID-19 cases confirmed over the past two weeks. Quarantine authorities are warning elderly people against visiting religious and door-to-door sales facilities, as they are more likely to develop severe symptoms when infected with the coronavirus. Quarantine authorities say if enhanced social distancing measures of Level 2.5 are followed strictly in the Seoul metropolitan area in the next five days, they will not be extended anymore.

[Soundbite] JUNG EUN-KYEONG(KOREA CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION) : “The outbreak has slowed down because many self-employed people are sustaining losses to follow social distancing measures, and many people are dealing with daily inconveniences with patience.”

Quarantine authorities are considering levying highway toll fees to prevent the spread of COVID-19 due to holiday travel. The government has vowed strong action against mass rallies planned by some groups on National Foundation Day during the Chuseok holiday period. Prime Minister Chung Se-kyun has pledged to use governmental authority to crack down on actions that pose a threat to public safety and obstruct quarantine efforts.

[Soundbite] CHUNG SYE-KYUN(PRIME MINISTER) : “Many people including quarantine experts are concerned about the Chuseok holiday. We must prepare thoroughly to prevent outbreaks like the ones that happened after the holiday.”

The government will also simplify the procedure for paying compensation to businesses that have been either closed down or suspended due to the pandemic. They will be able to receive a fixed sum in compensation for their business losses after receiving confirmation from their local governments. Regarding flu shots, quarantine authorities stress influenza vaccines will be first provided to people with chronic diseases and those who are eligible for free vaccination. As to the medical licensing exam held recently, the government says there is no absolute need to discuss holding an additional exam, as medical students have not expressed their official stance on the matter.