Mapo-gu Urgently Allocates 111 Million Won to Support Small Businesses Struggling Due to COVID-19

Emergency Supplies Purchase of 63 Million KRW Including Hand Sanitizers, Masks, and Ear Thermometers... Additional 48 Million KRW Allocated to Protect Local Businesses and Small Self-Employed Entrepreneurs

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yudonggyun) is urgently allocating a budget of 111 million KRW, including contingency funds and common institutional expenses, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect the shrinking local commercial district.

The district recently activated the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in response to the novel coronavirus, putting all employees into an emergency response system.

However, as the situation shows little sign of easing, the district has taken additional measures by injecting emergency funds for a more proactive response.

First, 63 million KRW of contingency funds will be used to purchase emergency supplies to prevent the spread of the infection. They have started distributing 3,000 hand sanitizers, 60,000 masks, and 30 ear thermometers urgently to the local community.

The hand sanitizers and ear thermometers are being distributed immediately upon delivery to facilities densely populated by vulnerable groups such as senior centers and local children’s centers. The 60,000 masks, which are in short supply, are currently awaiting delivery.

Additionally, 48 million KRW of emergency funds will be allocated to protect local markets and alleyway businesses. To protect small business owners who are inevitably suffering from reduced foot traffic due to infection concerns, each department plans to additionally execute the necessary budget for prevention measures.

Mayor Yudonggyun of Mapo-gu said, “All employees are conducting on-site inspections of multi-use facilities such as guesthouses in the area, and we are providing information on infection prevention guidelines and the status of screening clinics through the Mapo-gu and public health center websites. We will prepare and implement all measures to minimize damage to residents’ lives and property.”

The district has set up a call center (☎3153-9004~9007) within the Mapo-gu Public Health Center to respond to civil complaints. This hotline operates separately for residents who have difficulty connecting to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency call center (☎1339) or the 120 Dasan Call Center.

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