Vaccine passes resulting in major controversy around the world
방역패스 제동에 항고한 정부...결론 언제쯤 We begin with the COVID-19 situation in South Korea. Authorities are leaning toward gradually easing social distancing measures as the number of new infections has dropped. However, the South Korean government is coming under fire over its recent decision to extend vaccine passes to more facilities. For more on this and other updates, our reporter Shin Ye-eun is in the studio. Good morning, Ye-eun. Good morning. Ye-eun, let's start with how many new daily infections we are expecting today? We're expecting the daily tally to remain near the 4-thousand mark. From midnight to 9 PM Thursday, South Korea reported 3-thousand 2-hundred 96 new COVID-19 infections. This was down 1-hundred 83 cases from the day before, and around a thousand fewer cases than a week ago. The number of severely-ill patients was also the lowest in more than 3 weeks on Thursdayat 8-hundred 82. Authorities attribute the decline to the booster shot campaign. Health authorities say the senior population, specifically those 60 and up, have actively received their extra jabs. As of yesterday, 80 percent had taken a booster. Take a listen to how it has played out. "The number of confirmed cases among seniors is declining as more of them are getting booster shots. In the first week of December, those 60 and above accounted for 35.8% of the total infections. This proportion has now decreased to 15.6%." Now to the vaccine pass controversy This week, a Seoul court suspended a rule requiring vaccine passes at private educational facilities. We hear lawyers are pushing for more the measure to be revoked at more places The fight against vaccine passes is becoming more fierce in South Korea. Ever since the Seoul Administrative Court suspended the previous rule requiring vaccine passes at cram schools or study cafes many people said the policy should be re-examined as a whole. Many expressed concerns about how the government infringed on individuals' rights and instead forced vaccinations on people who aren't able to, or are unwilling to get vaccinated because they are pregnant or have underlying health conditions. Those complaints were further amplified over the government's decision to adopt vaccine passes at essential businesses like supermarkets. Plaintiffs are demanding vaccine passes be lifted at more facilities, including supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. But the government insists vaccine passes are needed to ensure a gradual return to normal life. In the coming hours, a court hearing will be held on this topic. Authorities will argue why they think vaccine passes are necessary. They did hint at reaching a middle ground though as they said they would review plans to expand those eligible for vaccine pass exemptions. This is mainly those who have underlying health conditions that make it difficult for them to get vaccinated. Vaccine passes have stirred controversy all over the world as well The issue has been a heated topic of debate in France, as well. Especially since French President Emmanuel Macron said he wanted to make the lives of the unvaccinated very complicated so they would end up having to get jabbed. His plan to do this was to strengthen vaccine pass rules. Originally, people in France could show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result to enter public venues or take trains. But due to the spread of Delta and Omicron the government decided to drop the test option which means only those with vaccine passes will be allowed to enter. After a tumultuous debate, the French Parliament on Thursday approved Macron's plans. Now this legislation will go to the Senate before a final vote is made in the National Assembly. If passed, it will take effect from January 15th and apply to those over 16. Italy has also decided to mandate vaccines for those over 50. Starting February 15thpublic and private workers over 50 will only be able to go work when they obtain a super green pass. This will only be given to those who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. Sweden also advised on Wednesday to extend vaccine passes at restaurants and cultural venues from next week. Though it's not a legal requirement, the Swedish Public Health Agency strongly advised businesses to require vaccine passes, VOLUNTARILY. As always thanks for your report, Ye-eun. #Vaccinepasses #controversy #SouthKorea 📣 Arirang News(Facebook) : / arirangtvnews 📣 Arirang News(Twitter) : / arirangtvnews 📣 News Center(YouTube) : / newscenter_arirangtv 2021-01-07, 08:00 (KST)
