(Unofficial Translation)

I am very glad to personally meet with Asan residents living in the vicinity of the temporary quarters for quarantining Koreans from Wuhan. I would also like to express special gratitude.

When the news broke that the temporary living quarters to isolate and quarantine the returnees from Wuhan would be set up here, I was told that local residents were strongly against the idea. I find such a response to be fully understandable. At that time, the situation in Wuhan was very chaotic, and the city itself was closed off. Under those circumstances, it was very natural for residents to be apprehensive amid growing fears that infections might occur in their community even if those from Wuhan would be quarantined in isolated facilities here. 

Despite such anxieties, Asan residents threw off all of those misgivings and very warmly embraced those returnees from Wuhan with the spirit that we are all Koreans regardless. Taking it a step further, you showed them compassionate kindness, asking whether there were any inconveniences or something lacking. You also sent an outpouring of encouragement and donated supplies. I heard that a group of mothers in Asan’s Baebang district posted signs reading “We are Asan” to show support. I once again thank everyone for standing by the returnees from Wuhan with such spirit. 

The news has reported about those from Wuhan expressing their gratitude to Asan in various ways, demonstrating their intent to continue to carry on their relationship with Asan and unveiling their plan to start a fund-raising campaign to that end. Such mutual exchanges of encouragement and gratitude have left our people with a gentle impression. Moreover, I believe they feel a sense of pride that “Yes, this is what a nation is for.” Once again, I am grateful to all of you.

The fear that the temporary living quarters might lead to infections in surrounding communities has now been dispelled, but phenomena in which  local economies are contracting due to various psychological factors have arisen. This is not a problem that is unique to Asan; the entire Korean economy is now being affected. Since there are a lot of automakers and parts manufacturers in Asan in particular and some related factories in China are still not in full operation, automobile-related companies are being hit right now. Tourism accounts for a huge portion of Asan’s economy. As the tourism industry is also suffering, there are many concerns over the contraction of the local economy. In order to help get out of this situation as early as possible while minimizing related concerns and to ensure that the local economy regains vitality, I promise that the central Government, Chungcheongnam-do Province and Asan City will do everything we can.

At this juncture, what I’d like to say to Asan citizens and also to the people is that we still don’t know much about this new infectious disease – how this outbreak will progress going forward, when it will end, when a cure will be available, whether the situation will subside a bit or aggravate. Still, we’ve come to learn a lot in the course of dealing with it and managing the situation so far. 

Above all, one thing is clear: We can keep COVID-19 fully under control with our infectious disease prevention and control system and overcome it. In addition, we’ve discovered that each individual can avoid infection almost entirely just by properly following such safety guidelines as washing hands and wearing a mask. It has also been found that, even if one were unfortunate enough to be infected by chance, proper treatment could lead to a full recovery without much risk. 

Today, another infected patient was released after making a full recovery, so a total of three confirmed cases have been discharged as of now. Furthermore, among those hospitalized, there are many who are already nearly cured in terms of their symptoms but are still staying in the hospital a little more just to make sure that their conditions remain stable. I believe that more patients will be released going forward. 

Therefore, what I would like to emphasize is that though people must still feel anxious or tense, they should pass on their anxiety and stress to the Government. For its part, the Government will do all it can to protect the people’s safety until the outbreak is over. Thus, such anxiety and tension should be left for the Government to deal with. I would like to say that – as long as people are following safety guidelines – there’s no need to withdraw from daily economic activities and be caught up in unwarranted concerns and fears. The places where a known infected person has been even once are immediately disinfected by infectious disease prevention and control authorities. According to specialists, there is no problem using them after disinfection. 

Yesterday marked the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, but most related events such as “moon house” bonfires were likely cancelled. We should avoid as much as possible events like festivals that draw large crowds, but we should continue many of our daily activities free from fear. I’d like to point out that in this way our national and local economies will not be weighed down by the situation. 

While I am joining your efforts to overcome this hardship together by having a meal here in Asan today, the central Government will continue to also stand by everyone until the situation is over. Thank you.