Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok: "We Will Do Our Utmost to Protect Residents Amid COVID-19 Crisis"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] “The entire country is exposed to the risk of infection due to the COVID-19 crisis, which is a very serious emergency situation, and we will do our utmost to protect the lives of the residents.”

Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok stated this on the 26th through a public address for a full-scale community response to COVID-19.

Governor Kim explained, “In Jeonnam, since the first confirmed patient was fully recovered and discharged on the 17th, no additional confirmed cases have occurred so far,” adding, “The whole country is a daily living zone, so we cannot lower our guard. We will further strengthen the quarantine medical system to block the community spread.”

He continued, “So far, we have proactively tested 89 suspected cases, and through voluntary visits to screening clinics by symptomatic residents, we have conducted 802 diagnostic tests.”

Regarding the Shincheonji Church, he said, “Currently, there are 58 facilities including churches and education centers in 14 cities and counties within the province, with about 14,000 believers,” and added, “We have already completed disinfection of all 58 facilities and have issued orders to ban gatherings and forcibly close the facilities until March 9.”

He also stated, “Among the residents, a total of 41 people who visited or had contact with the Daegu Shincheonji Church are under a two-week quarantine,” and “Fortunately, all test results so far have been negative.”

Governor Kim continued, “Buses operating between Jeonnam and Daegu/Gyeongbuk have reduced their frequency at the request of transportation companies, and public museums, art galleries, libraries, and sports facilities within the province have been decided to be fully closed until March 9.”

To revitalize the local economy, he said, “We have formed a Livelihood Stability Task Force and allocated 50 billion KRW in emergency management stabilization funds to support the business stability of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. So far, 4 billion KRW has been applied for by 112 companies and is being supported,” adding, “We will also issue 60% of the 253.4 billion KRW Jeonnam Happiness Local Currency early by next month.”

He further emphasized, “As the damage to small business owners has increased due to the recent spread of COVID-19, the so-called Good Landlord Movement for sharing the pain is spreading,” and “The province has currently reduced or deferred payments for public market rents and public parking lot usage fees.”

He added, “Religious events where many people gather, including Christianity and the other three major religions, are being refrained from as much as possible with cooperation,” and “We ask that until the situation calms down, masses, Buddhist services, worship, and other religious ceremonies be replaced by online or similar methods.”

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