World

Revise unfair, ineffective social-distancing measures: S. Korea PM

Chung Sye-kyun addresses complaints from small business owners unhappy with shutdown standards

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 11 Jan 2021 4:30PM

Revise unfair, ineffective social-distancing measures: S. Korea PM
South Korean authorities are expected to discuss revisions to the nation’s social distancing rules following declining case numbers and the scheduled end of stricter preventative measures on Sunday. – AFP pic, January 11, 2021

SEOUL – South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said today that social-distancing rules considered either unfair or ineffective must be changed, suggesting that authorities may soon revise the state-mandated distancing scheme to address growing complaints among small business owners, the Yonhap news agency reported.

“While mandating strict adherence (of distancing rules) in high-risk areas, bold revisions should be made on measures that are either unfair or ineffective,” Chung said during an interagency meeting on the Covid-19 response held at Seoul City Hall.

“We can expect anticipated results only when the public, who are the essential agents of the antivirus measures, can practise and accept the rules,” he added.

His comments came amid growing complaints from disgruntled small business owners, especially among those who run indoor sports and fitness centres, over what they consider unfair shutdown standards.

South Korea has been operating the so-called Level 2.5 social-distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, which is the second highest in the country’s five-tier scheme, and Level 2 rules in other areas since December 8.

Authorities are expected to discuss revising the nation’s social-distancing rules, as the enforcement of current measures are scheduled to end Sunday, and with new daily infections that stayed above 1,000 for multiple days in past weeks now showing a downward trend.

Chung also expressed concerns over consistent cluster outbreaks at call centres throughout the country. He called on the Employment and Labour Ministry to thoroughly review virus response measures at call centres and swiftly address inadequate steps.

“The call centre industry must again carry out adequate measures by reviewing its virus response situation with a sense of caution,” he said. – Bernama, January 11, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 10mth

Perlis Mufti reveals existence of deviant movement from South Korea

Sports & Fitness / 2y

Revive inter-state league to spot new talents, says former team manager

Business / 3y

Sabah to roll out My Second Home programme to woo more talents

Malaysia / 3y

S. Korea could help Asean boost economy, tackle climate change: Anwar

Business / 3y

Work with Korea’s Naver, Fahmi calls on MDEC

World / 3y

S. Korean president, PM enjoy seafood lunch amid Fukushima concern

Spotlight

Business

Ringgit gains as oil prices plunge on hopes of Iran conflict de-escalation

Events

UKM to establish academic research platform named after Dr Wan Azizah

Malaysia

Deepavali preparations destroyed as flash floods inundate Sungai Buloh homes

Malaysia

Melaka polls: Calm campaign puts focus on what parties can offer voters

Malaysia

Anwar challenges Hadi over ‘Dajjal’ label

Malaysia

Shuhaily remains AKPS chief pending official transfer order, says lawyer

Malaysia

Najib's former wife Tengku Puteri Zainah passes away

Malaysia

Matrade exposes scam involving fake procurement orders, advance payment demands

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

“Don’t panic,” Govt assures stable essential goods supply amid geopolitical tensions, monsoon threat

You may be interested

World

Death toll from Russian strike on Ukraine aid distribution point rises to 53

World

US sanctions 45 entities linked to Cambodia cybercrime syndicate

World

France braces for nationwide strikes and protests as Macron seeks to avert fresh unrest

World

Trump faces Iran war dilemma after Republican midterm losses

World

Iran reports six vessels ablaze in separate Strait of Hormuz incidents

World

Israeli President certifies election results

World

Iran claims three vessels catch fire in Strait of Hormuz, captures two US drones

World

Trump faces Republican revolt after midterm rout puts Democrats in control of Congress