Busan City Strengthens Emergency Response System in Preparation for 'Novel Coronavirus'

Full-Scale Response with Dual Tracks: Quarantine and Economy

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Yoseop] Busan City is strengthening its emergency response system to prepare for the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

On the morning of the 3rd, Busan City held an emergency countermeasure meeting attended by the mayor, district mayors and county heads, vice mayors, and heads of departments and bureaus, announcing the expansion of the novel coronavirus emergency response system.

The emergency response system consists of two tracks: quarantine through the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and economic response through the Emergency Economic Countermeasures Headquarters. The Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, led by the mayor, is composed of 10 joint teams including related agencies such as police and fire departments: ▲Administrative General Support Team ▲Infectious Disease Management Team ▲Isolation Support Team ▲Medical Support Team ▲Quarantine Support Team ▲Support Team for Vulnerable Groups and Foreigners, carrying out their missions.

In addition to distributing quarantine supplies (masks, hand sanitizers) earlier this month, the city plans to introduce quarantine equipment such as thermal scanners, mobile radiography devices, and sterilization and disinfection equipment to strengthen the quarantine and inspection system. For large events and festivals, thorough quarantine measures will be established to prevent infections, and the decision to hold events will be made depending on the spread of the infectious disease.

The disinfection cycle for urban rail transit will be shortened from 6 days to 3 days, and disinfection of bus handrails will be conducted after each departure, strengthening quarantine measures for public transportation.

The Emergency Economic Countermeasures Headquarters was formed first among local governments nationwide and responds swiftly. Led by the mayor as the head, it consists of six teams: ▲General Support Team ▲Import and Export Support Team ▲Tourism Support Team ▲Port and Logistics Support Team ▲Livelihood Stability Support Team ▲University Cooperation Team, with participation from over 40 organizations.

On the 4th, Busan City plans to hold the ‘1st Emergency Economic Countermeasures Meeting,’ a public-private joint meeting chaired by Mayor Oh Keo-don, to focus on discussing regional economic trends, checking on affected companies, and support measures by sector.

Mayor Oh stated, “Although no confirmed cases have occurred in Busan yet, we will do our best to proactively operate the emergency response system to minimize the impact on the regional economy and civil society.”

Precautionary measures to prevent novel coronavirus infection. (Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency)

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