The Cabinet on Tuesday authorized the use of reserve funds to cover outlays caused by the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome that has sparked a health scare and worries over its negative impact on the sputtering economy.
The finance ministry said 50.5 billion won ($45.2 million) has been approved so the government can purchase critical materials and special equipment, and offer support to medical personnel and other emergency service workers.
Since the first MERS case was confirmed on May 20, the death toll has hit 19, with 154 people being diagnosed with the virus.
The number of people currently in quarantine was at 5,586 as of early Tuesday.
The health ministry said the fatality rate of the disease stood at 12.3 percent, much lower than the 40 percent tallied in the past, with most people succumbing to MERS having underlying medical problems.
The ministry said the government will also use the money to provide equipment and increase medical staff at the state-run National Medical Center in Seoul that is being used as the central MERS treatment facility, and designate hospitals that can treat non-MERS patients.
The outbreak has resulted in some hospitals being closed temporarily, which is causing problems for people seeking medical treatment.
The government said of the total, 17.4 billion won will go directly to support patients and those being quarantined. The government said it will pay for all MERS-related medical expenses and give monetary compensation for people kept in isolation.
“The money will be allocated in a timely manner to support the government’s all-out effort to contain MERS,” the ministry said.
It added that if the need arises, more funds will be made available. (Yonhap)
