Songpa-gu, Full-Scale Response to Novel Coronavirus

Temporary Suspension of Multi-use Facility Operations, Disinfection at Dong Community Center... Prioritizing Infection Prevention... Minimizing Resident Damage through Support for Vulnerable Groups and Operation of Hoarding Reporting Center

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) is making every effort to prevent infections and prepare support measures for the safety of its residents.

On the 28th of last month, the district formed the "Songpa-gu Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (headed by the Mayor)" consisting of eight teams, including the Disaster Situation Management Team. On the 31st, the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting was convened, where information was shared for joint response with seven related organizations such as the police station, fire station, and Gangdong-Songpa Office of Education, as well as representatives from large-scale private multi-use facilities including Lotte World Tower, Garden Five, and Asan Hospital.

Based on this meeting, the district decided to temporarily suspend or reduce the operation of multi-use facilities managed by the district to prevent the spread of the infection.

Accordingly, all autonomous community center programs and senior citizen centers operated by the 27 neighborhood community service centers will be suspended. Libraries, welfare centers, and other facilities will suspend programs except for their core functions.

For prevention, disinfection efforts have also been undertaken at neighborhood community service centers frequently used by residents. Intensive disinfection is being conducted at a total of 28 locations, including 27 neighborhood community service centers and one autonomous community center, until the 14th. Disinfectants will be sprayed on entrances, restrooms, civil service desks, and tables to prevent virus spread.

Additionally, prevention guidelines produced in English and Chinese are being distributed to tourist information centers and tourist hotels for active promotion. On the 1st, an emergency inspection of 74 lodging facilities in the area was conducted to check for the availability of hand sanitizers and masks. In large shopping malls and major markets frequently used by residents, efforts for public-private joint response include installing thermal imaging cameras, measuring staff temperatures, and frequent sterilization and disinfection.

The district has secured 100,000 masks and 7,000 hand sanitizers, which are being distributed to welfare centers, senior citizen centers, daycare centers, and public facilities to protect vulnerable groups including children and the elderly from infections.

Emergency welfare supplies are provided to those under self-quarantine to support their livelihoods. Essential goods worth approximately 100,000 KRW, such as rice, ramen, instant meals, and thermometers, requested by self-quarantined individuals who find it difficult to go outside, are being supplied.

In particular, amid growing social anxiety due to hoarding of quarantine supplies, the district has been operating the "Quarantine Supplies Hoarding Report Center (☎2147-2500)" since the 4th. The center is located on the 6th floor of the district office main building in the Regional Economy Division and is receiving reports and consultations regarding consumer damages caused by hoarding and profiteering of masks, hand sanitizers, and other quarantine supplies. Price trends and supply status are also being monitored and managed for related suppliers.

Furthermore, using visiting small business hope planners, the district plans to assess the damage situation of local small business owners in traditional markets and other areas caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus and provide detailed guidance on related support measures.

The district has also launched a relay campaign. This campaign involves sharing promotional images containing preventive action guidelines via personal SNS with five friends and family members. The purpose is to share accurate information about the novel coronavirus, promote prevention efforts, and unite in preventing its spread.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, "We are making various efforts from prevention to economic support to block the inflow of the novel coronavirus and ensure the safety of residents." He added, "We will continue to mobilize all administrative capabilities until the situation is resolved and do our best to respond proactively to prevent any harm to residents."

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