Gov't says it will secure operation of "as many medical facilities as possible" during Seollal

The days between January 20th and February 5th have been declared a period of emergency medical response as the government seeks to secure the operation of as many medical facilities and pharmacies as possible amid the longer lunar new year holiday and a concerning surge in the number of respiratory infections nationwide.

Intentions to this end were shared following talks between health ministry officials and ruling party lawmakers at the National Assembly earlier on this Thursday.

The number of suspected flu cases soared to its highest this month since related data collection began in 2016.

Aggravating concerns is the reality that many hospitals are operating in the absence of trainee doctors following their mass resignation last year.