Amid the government’s ban on meetings with more than 5 people and a two-week extension of business restrictions after 9 pm, Daegu City has announced that it will independently extend the business hours of cafes and restaurants by two more hours, contrary to the government policy. After the announcement of Daegu City, protests have been raging in other local governments, asking, “Can we extend it too?” The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters expressed regret for the unilateral measures taken by Daegu City, saying, “It was decided without prior consultation.”
Sohn Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Accident Recovery Headquarters (Heavy Soo-bon), is giving a regular briefing to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) at the Government Complex Sejong. yunhap news
Script “There was no prior consultation, other self-proclaimed issues”
On the 17th, Sohn Young-rae, head of the Central Accident Control Headquarters, announced at a mid-script briefing that Daegu City would relax the policy so that some facilities such as restaurants and karaoke can be opened the day before (16th). It was announced in Daegu City, and quite a lot of local governments raised issues.”
“At the current distancing stage, local governments have the right to adjust detailed contents, so the Daegu City measures cannot be seen as a measure beyond the authority under the Infectious Disease Prevention Act.” If so, it will be affected in places adjacent to living areas such as Gyeongbuk.”
“There is a possibility that residents of Gyeongsangbuk-do, which are adjacent to the living area, may move to Daegu and use the facilities, and there are problems that increase regional equity controversy and increase the risk of spreading infection.” I asked for prior consultation with local governments in the same area, but the decision was made without proceeding. It was decided without much prior discussion with the script.”
According to the current infectious disease prevention method, not only the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (central government), but also the provincial governor or the head of a city, county, or district may order prohibition of gatherings to prevent infectious diseases. Although local governments can strengthen or mitigate measures depending on the quarantine situation, the government has made sufficient consultations with neighboring local governments and the company headquarters in order to prevent a unilateral decision. This is the position.
Previously, Daegu City announced the’Daegu-style social distancing adjustment plan’ on the 16th and said, “The Daegu City General Defense Response Group meeting was held in which infectious disease experts participated. I did.” Daegu City also explained that it has decided to ease the business ban more than the government’s, given the increasing difficulties of small business owners and self-employed in the region.
On the 17th, a day before the use of multi-use facilities such as cafes is eased, an employee is preparing for business by disinfecting tables at a cafe in the store at a cafe in downtown Seoul. Reporter Woo Sang-jo
However, at the main script meeting on the 17th, local governments raised the issue of equity in Daegu City’s announcement, and the government was also in trouble. Confusion is increasing with the announcement of a relaxed policy that allows restaurants and cafes to be open until 11 pm on the afternoon of the 17th until Gyeongju City.
In this regard, Son said, “There were a lot of criticisms that the part that was decided unilaterally without prior consultation in Daegu City was unfavorable.” “All local governments are adhering to the current principles regarding the currently maintained business restrictions after 9pm. Discussed once again to go to the side. Tomorrow (18th), we will hold a working-level meeting for each local government to check this again and make the process solid.”
Reporter Hwang Soo-yeon [email protected]