Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has stressed that the Lunar New Year holiday will be an important turning point in determining the direction of the third wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.

At a meeting with officials on Wednesday, Chung said the public will play the central role in quarantine measures, as they have always done in times of crises.

Referring to people opting to mark the holiday with family online and by sending gifts, the prime minister thanked the public for their efforts.

Chung also delivered a message of encouragement to medical personnel and government employees who will be working at COVID-19 testing centers during the four-day holiday that begins on Thursday.