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| President Moon Jae-in puts on a mask before a meeting at Seoul City Hall, Friday. Yonhap |
New virus cases exceed 300 for first time since early March
By Jun Ji-hye
President Moon Jae-in called on the health authorities, Friday, to take stern legal action against anyone who attempts to disrupt the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moon's comments came as the nation's fight against the coronavirus is now at a critical phase, with new cases exceeding 300 daily for the first time since early March, Thursday, amid growing fear of a second wave of infections.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 324 cases, including 315 locally transmitted ones, with the country's total caseload rising to 16,670.
The President demanded the authorities bring criminal charges against those hampering epidemiological investigations and quarantine operations and, if necessary, apprehend them on site and seek an arrest warrant.
"The core principle of the nation's fight against COVID-19 is swiftly detecting and testing those who have come into close contact with coronavirus patients, and isolating and treating infected people," Moon said during a visit to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's (SMG) office in charge of the city's disaster and safety countermeasures. "But some people and organizations are systematically hampering the government's efforts to stem the spread of the virus."
Some local churches are facing mounting controversy and public anger as they have appeared to be uncooperative in tracing and isolating potential COVID-19 patients.
Among the churches is the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul led by conservative pastor Jun Kwang-hoon who has led several anti-government rallies, with the most recent one held in central Seoul Aug. 15. The rally brought together thousands of demonstrators despite the government's advice to follow social distancing guidelines.
According to the KCDC, 56 more infections were traced to the church, raising the total related cases to 732 as of noon Friday. Jun himself tested positive for COVID-19 last Monday.
Despite deepening concerns over the public health crisis, the government and the SMG have failed to secure a full list of members of the church due to its antagonistic attitude. Jun has been accused of spreading "fake news" when he claimed the administration has fabricated COVID-19 test results.
Later in the day, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae also vowed to act strongly against anyone who tries to hamper the government's fight against the contagious disease.
"The nation's daily new virus cases have increased rapidly over recent days due to inappropriate behavior committed by some irresponsible people," the minister said during a media conference.
"The government will take stern measures against people who submit false documents to the authorities, refuse to cooperate in the epidemiological investigations and get tested, and use violence against government officials. These people will face custody investigations and the maximum penalty allowable by law."
