Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the first delivery of COVID-19 vaccines for 50-thousand people is set to arrive in the nation early February. 

He made the remarks on Wednesday when he appeared on a local radio program, saying the delivery is part of a deal with the COVAX Facility global alliance program to secure vaccines for ten million people. 

Asked if vaccinations could begin from early or mid-February, Chung said the government is making all-out efforts to make that possible, adding that medical personnel will be the first to receive them. 

On the method the government has applied for emergency relief funds, the prime minister reaffirmed that under current conditions, providing such funds selectively is appropriate. 

Chung said he agrees with President Moon Jae-in’s view that local governments can come up with supplementary means in the event the government relief payouts are insufficient.