Lee Jae-myung: "I Will Not Forget the Heart Behind Those Swollen Fingers...Let Us Endure Together"

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung expressed his sentiments toward medical staff and civil servants sacrificing their efforts for COVID-19 prevention.

Governor Lee shared his thoughts through SNS on the 20th by linking to an article from a news outlet, saying, "I cannot take my eyes off the photo of the swollen fingers of a nursing civil servant who must wear gloves all day long for COVID-19 testing," and added, "I feel heartbroken thinking of the medical staff and civil servants suffering without being able to change their sweat-soaked quarantine suits in the extreme heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius."

He continued, "I will not forget the heart behind those swollen fingers. I will do my part to ensure that proper compensation is given for the sacrifice made for our community," and encouraged, "The hardships and adversities we face now will also pass someday. So please let us endure together."

Below is the full text of Governor Lee Jae-myung's SNS post.

<Swollen Fingers, I Will Not Forget>
I cannot stop thinking about it. The photo of the swollen fingers of a nursing civil servant who must wear gloves all day long for COVID-19 testing. I cannot take my eyes off it.
Thinking of the medical staff and civil servants who are enduring hardship in extreme heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, unable to change their sweat-soaked quarantine suits, my heart aches. As one of those responsible for epidemic prevention, I am proud of those fulfilling this heavy duty, and I can only apologize for the circumstances that necessitate such a burden.
It has already been one year and six months. An unprecedented crisis has struck, and there have been countless critical moments, but thanks to the sacrifice and dedication of many, we have been able to overcome them well.
It would have been impossible without the citizens who have endured the inconveniences of daily life and difficulties in livelihood for their families and neighbors, and the frontline civil servants and medical staff who have taken on risks with their whole beings for national safety. The achievements of K-quarantine that the world envies are the sum of the sacrifices and dedication of all those individuals.
Thanks to those who quietly stand at their posts, we safely pass each day. I reaffirm my commitment not to forget the efforts of all those who have become a solid shield protecting our community.
I will not forget the heart behind those swollen fingers. I will do my part to ensure that proper compensation is given for the sacrifice made for our community.
The hardships and adversities we face now will also pass someday. So please let us endure together.