정부 "어버이날 요양 시설 면회 자제" 생활 방역 당부

On May 8th, that's tomorrow, South Koreans celebrate Parents' Day.
Many visit their parents with gifts and flowers to show their love and affection.
But, it may not be the same this year. As the country is still in the process of containing the COVID-19 outbreak, South Korea's health authorities are asking people to exercise extra caution when visiting their parents and stay away from nursing homes.
Kim Sung-min reports.
The South Korean government has re-iterated the importance of "distancing in daily life"... ahead of Parents' Day.
The health and welfare minister Park Neung-hoo urged people on Thursday to refrain from visiting healthcare facilities such as nursing homes for Parents' Day.
He said health facilities tend to be more vulnerable to infection, and the health of the elderly is the top priority.
During the briefing, senior Health Ministry official Yoon Tae-ho also emphasized the need to comply with the five personal virus prevention guidelines.
"I know many of you are looking forward to showing love and appreciation to your parents on Parents' Day. The fifth of the personal virus prevention guidelines was to 'keeping hearts closer while distancing.' Although staying apart, it is important to call your parents and send your regards."
Starting from Wednesday, South Korea has been gradually easing its social distancing measures.
Still, such advice for Parents' Day comes as many experts warn of a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases.
Although the country has seen less than five new cases for each of the past three days... the government says there are still some cases where it is hard to trace the infection route.
Therefore, while thanking the public for their efforts, the minister also asked that people keep practicing virus prevention measures in their daily lives.
Kim Sung-min, Arirang News