Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Gov't considers temporarily lifting coronavirus self-isolation rules on poll day
Candidates' election posters on display in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
The government is considering temporarily lifting coronavirus self-isolation measures on voting day.
The National Election Commission (NEC) said Tuesday it has been talks with relevant ministries to make it possible for those who are quarantining themselves because of COVID-19 to vote in parliamentary elections on April 15.
One option the NEC is considering is allowing those subject to the measures to leave their homes to vote at certain times of the day to minimize their exposure to others.
In an effort to help contain the virus, the government has imposed a two-week self-isolation for all arrivals from overseas since April 1.
During Sunday's KBS radio program, NEC Secretary General Park Young-soo said the people's right to health is as important as their right to vote and he is still collecting opinions.
The NEC has also asked voters to wear masks when they visit polling stations and have their temperatures checked before casting their ballots.