Governor Nam Kyung-pil Proposes Nationwide Cooperative Network for Safe Korea

Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil proposed on the 22nd a nationwide cooperative network in which the central government, local governments, ruling and opposition parties, and the private and public sectors can collaborate.

Governor Nam attended a Saenuri Party Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly at 9 a.m. on the 22nd and stated, "Economic downturn caused by MERS is engulfing Korea. To overcome this, we must eliminate public fear, and restoring trust is most important," and added, "A collaborative system involving central and local governments, ruling and opposition parties, and the private and public sectors is necessary."

He continued, "The Gwangju Universiade should serve as an opportunity to ease public anxiety and recover the national image," and added, "For this, a roundtable meeting involving the government, ruling and opposition parties, and heads of local governments through a nationwide cooperative network is necessary."

Furthermore, he stated, "The emergency response period for MERS has passed, but an airtight system response is needed," and urged support from the party to "create a united Korea and build Korea where people can feel safe."

On this day, Governor Nam presented statistics showing that 73.1% of the public avoided visiting public places and 53% avoided using public transportation due to MERS fears, and announced plans to urgently deploy 27 thermal cameras to crowded gathering places.

Accordingly, the province decided to deploy thermal cameras and hand sanitizers centered on subway stations and baseball stadiums where large crowds gather.

Meanwhile, at this meeting, Saenuri Party Representative Kim Moo-sung said, "I hope health authorities and medical personnel will persevere a bit more in MERS countermeasures," and emphasized, "We must all become one in heart and purpose until the day of complete eradication."

Saenuri Party Floor Leader Yoo Seung-min stated, "Recovery of consumer sentiment and revitalization of domestic demand will inevitably lag behind a declaration of eradication," and said, "When the government reports its economic management plan for the second half of the year, it will clarify its position on supplementary budgets, and accordingly the party will announce its position."