Seoul Jung-gu Focuses on Strengthening New Coronavirus Infection Prevention Capabilities

Deployment of Chinese-Speaking Staff at Jung-gu Health Center, Hotline Established for 71 Tourist Accommodation Sites in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) announced on the 29th that it has activated the Jung-gu Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in response to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) and will concentrate all its resources going forward.

Since the first confirmed case in Korea on the 20th, the district has maintained a 24-hour emergency system by installing a screening clinic at the public health center. As the infectious disease crisis level was raised to the "alert" stage, the Jung-gu Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters was established on the 5th floor of the public health center, preparing a full-scale response system.

In particular, Jung-gu, where tourist attractions frequently visited by Chinese people such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are concentrated, has completed the establishment of an emergency contact network for 71 tourism accommodation businesses including tourist hotels and hostels, and designated a dedicated hotline for real-time management.

Additionally, the district will actively promote infection prevention by distributing response manuals including disease control guidelines for each facility, along with prevention guideline notices in Chinese and English.

Furthermore, staff capable of Chinese consultation have been assigned at the public health center to respond to virus-related inquiries from Chinese visitors, and the installation of additional temporary screening consultation centers, such as at the Myeongdong Migliore public space, is under consideration.

Moreover, investigations on visitors from China are also being conducted. Along with identifying employees who have traveled to China, the district plans to continuously monitor and manage students and staff from elementary, middle, and high schools who have visited China, as well as children in all local daycare centers who require observation.

Special management will also be provided for children using child welfare facilities and elementary after-school care facilities, who have vulnerable immune systems. Upon entry, fever checks will be conducted, and children exhibiting respiratory symptoms such as fever or cough must wear masks. Hygiene guidance including cleanliness management will also be implemented. Entry of outsiders will be prohibited as much as possible, and even if entry is allowed, fever checks will be conducted and a visitor log must be completed.

In cases where households face sudden livelihood difficulties due to the novel coronavirus infection, emergency welfare support such as living expenses and medical costs will be reviewed to provide assistance.

In addition, the district has temporarily postponed local events including the Seoul City budget briefing and neighborhood resident meetings. It is also continuously monitoring places where many people gather by installing thermal imaging detectors in the district office cafeteria and disseminating prevention guidelines and response measures to facilities such as movie theaters and performance halls, urging thorough management.

Mayor Seoyangho stated, "Since confirmed cases have occurred domestically, we will strengthen countermeasures and concentrate all efforts on preventing damage from the novel coronavirus."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.