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RECOGNIZING THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA'S COMMENDABLE RESPONSE TO COVID-19
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HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 5, 2021
Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend our ally South Korea's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Chung Sye-Kyun, who took office just prior to the World Health Organization's declaration of a pandemic, the Republic of Korea's response to COVID-19 should be applauded.
I am proud to represent one of the most vibrant Korean American communities in the nation in the Ninth District of New Jersey. Korean Americans have contributed greatly to North Jersey and to our nation in myriad ways, from business and science, to sports, the arts, and public service. I share the pride of many Korean Americans across our country and the Ninth District in South Korea's response to the pandemic.
From the outset of the pandemic, the Republic of Korea engaged in a coordinated national strategy to control viral spread. This included reactivating contact tracing tools last used to combat the 2012 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, which allowed South Korea to rapidly collect and analyze real-time data on COVID-19 cases.
Equipped with an effective tracing program, South Korea quickly made use of a smartphone application to help ensure compliance with isolation or quarantine following exposure to the virus.
Critically, the Republic of Korea made a concerted and early effort to provide accurate information on the COVID-19 pandemic to the general public. From the very first reported cases in the country, South Korea ensured its citizens knew to social distance, practice good hygiene, and wear a mask in public.
Together, these measures led to the Republic of Korea's notably low infection and death counts over the past year, despite being one of the first nations to experience recorded cases.
In the 73 years since the founding of the Republic of Korea, our two nations have enjoyed a powerful and enduring alliance, marked by a shared belief in the values of democracy and freedom.
I have always been deeply dedicated to upholding our commitment to the security and defense of the Republic of Korea, who continue to serve as one of our most valued economic and strategic partners. I sincerely hope the bonds that tie our two nations will only grow stronger as we continue to collaborate on the many issues that face us, including quashing COVID-19 with science, good governance, and effective communication. On that task, the world ought to look to the Republic of Korea as a role model.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 60
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