The government has designated August 17 a temporary holiday to give medical personnel and other frontline workers battling the prolonged coronavirus outbreak time to rest.
The plan was approved Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Moon Jae-in, based on the fact that National Liberation Day, on August 15, falls on a Saturday.
The move is also expected to boost domestic demand.
President Moon said he hopes the extended three-day holiday will "serve as a small comfort to the people who are enduring inconveniences for the safety of everyone."
Moon also took note of a decision by local parcel delivery service firms to mark "Delivery-free Day" on August 14 so delivery workers can also get some rest.
He said the country should not forget those who are suffering from overwork as the pandemic continues.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
