Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has urged those in their 40s and younger to get vaccinated against COVID-19, citing that the number of serious cases involving unvaccinated young adults is on the rise. 

Kim made the remarks Wednesday during a virus response meeting. 

The prime minister underlined the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations, saying that getting inoculated not only lowers the risk of infection but also sharply lowers the rate of mortality and chance of serious illness caused by the virus.

With the vaccination program picking up speed, Kim said a little over 46 percent of the nation’s population had received at least one dose of vaccine. 

Kim added that the government will decide this week whether to adjust current social distancing rules amid the public’s pain and suffering in observing stringent measures for over a month.