South Korea’s acting prime minister stressed Friday that the country is fully capable of containing the recent outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and there is no reason for undue concern.
In a meeting with foreign diplomats and business leaders in Seoul, Choi Kyung-hwan pointed out that the country effectively dealt with outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome and Influenza A in the past.
Since the first outbreak was confirmed on May 20, 11 people have died with 126 people having been diagnosed with MERS so far. There are 3,680 people under quarantine at present, but this number is down from over 3,800 on Thursday.
“Taking into account South Korea’s advanced medical service sector and high level of expertise of its health professionals, there is no doubt that the current MERS situation will be contained,” the policymaker said.
He then asked the diplomats to provide detailed information on developments taking place in South Korea to their respective governments so as to prevent excessive measures being taken that can fuel worries.
Choi then said that every effort is being made to halt the spread of MERS this week and highlighted that the government is holding daily meetings attended by top officials to check all the latest developments and listen to feedback.
He said a quick response team has been set up to support people who may have been infected by the MERS virus.
The acting prime minister said to reduce the shock on the economy, the government has earmarked 400 billion won ($360 million) to help companies and regions hard hit by MERS and help tourism and hospitality-related businesses that are feeling the pinch as people cancel trips.
“The lowering of the country’s key rate by the central bank on Thursday to a record low 1.5 percent can be helpful in coping with the MERS outbreak,” Choi said.
He also said that health authorities even set up an English service emergency hotline for foreigners in the country who feel they may have contracted MERS. People can dial 109 to get help and instructions.
“In the case foreigners who are quarantined, embassy of the country he or she is from will be contacted immediately,” the official said.
At the gathering, representatives from the World Health Organization said there is little risk of South Korea not being able to contain MERS. It pointed out that most cases involving contamination occurred at hospitals and clinics.
Ambassadors from the United States, Japan and Russia were present at the meeting along with WHO officials and businessmen from Europe, China and various foreign chambers of commerce. (Yonhap)
