Naju City Accelerates Revitalization of Local Economy Stagnated by 'COVID-19 Spread'

Expansion of Cafeteria Closures to 4 Times a Month

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) is expanding the closure of in-house cafeterias to revitalize the local commercial district, which has been depressed due to the novel coronavirus.

The city announced on the 12th that it will expand the in-house cafeteria closure days, which were introduced as a comprehensive measure to revitalize the local economy for small business owners and self-employed individuals from twice a month since February last year, to four times a month (every Friday).

Earlier, on the 6th, due to the occurrence of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, most city and privately hosted events were canceled or postponed, resulting in a sharp decline in customers at local restaurants and alleyway commercial districts, prompting this measure.

Mayor Kang In-gyu said, "The local commercial district is facing even greater difficulties due to the contraction of consumer sentiment caused by the novel coronavirus combined with the existing economic downturn," adding, "We will do our best to share the pain of local small business owners and self-employed people by setting an example starting with public officials and to revitalize the depressed local economy."

The in-house cafeterias are used by about 170 to 200 employees daily on average.

The city expects that the expanded operation of the in-house cafeteria closure system will help stabilize the management of local restaurants, traditional markets, and retail stores.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kang visited Sanpo Nonghyup Hanaro Mart, which temporarily closed from the 6th to the 8th due to the visit history of the 22nd confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, to check the progress of disinfection efforts.

Mayor Kang said, "I appreciate the decision of the mart employees who voluntarily closed the store prioritizing residents' health and safety over business conditions," and added, "We will strive for thorough disinfection management so that citizens' anxiety can be resolved quickly."

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