Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on April 6 reiterates the importance of social distancing in a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in Seoul. (Yonhap News)

By Kim Minji and Lee Hana

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on April 6 announced an additional two weeks of strict social distancing nationwide, saying, "Physically distancing ourselves is not only considerate to others, but also the most effective means of quarantine for protecting ourselves."

He said this in a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, following the April 4 announcement by Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neunghoo, who is concurrently first vice head of the headquarters, that social distancing would be extended through April 19.

The prime minister added, "We ask that each and every person become a quarantine expert, pay attention to personal hygiene, and keep a safe distance from those around them to ensure personal and community health and safety."

"We are both truly sorry and grateful to medical staff risking their lives on the frontlines of the pandemic, teachers preparing to start school online for the first time and parents," he said. "Everyone in the country fighting COVID-19 will be remembered as true heroes."

kimmj7725@korea.kr