Gangdong-gu Supports Vulnerable Groups to Overcome COVID-19 Crisis

Alternative Meal Delivery for Vulnerable Elderly After Free Meal Service Suspension... Continued Support for Neighbors Struggling Due to COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, the difficulties faced by the elderly, disabled, and low-income families are deepening.

In response, Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) has prepared and is implementing various support measures for vulnerable groups.

When the closure of social welfare facilities in the area was decided to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19, the free meals provided at welfare center senior cafeterias were also suspended.

Accordingly, Gangdong-gu is delivering substitute meals consisting of ready-to-eat rice, jangjorim (soy-braised beef), seasoned seaweed, and other home meal replacements to vulnerable elderly people who are struggling due to the suspension of free meals, ensuring their nutrition and health.

Although most of the senior job creation projects operated by the district have been suspended due to COVID-19, projects with minimal interpersonal contact, such as Nono Care (care and lunchbox delivery), continue to be promoted to monitor the safety of elderly people in need of care.

Additionally, the self-support work group "Matjoa Bakery," operated by the Seoul Gangdong Regional Self-Support Center (Director Lim Jong-hoon), donated 738 pieces of bread to 246 elderly people who are unable to use the senior cafeterias.

Moreover, Seongnae Comprehensive Social Welfare Center (Director Lee Sang-hyun) continues to operate mobile bathing services without interruption for disabled and elderly people who have difficulty bathing themselves, despite the heightened importance of personal hygiene management in this situation.

Gangdong-gu has also prepared support measures for COVID-19 victims as well as vulnerable groups. The district provides supply boxes containing food and daily necessities to self-quarantine subjects who are experiencing difficulties in daily life such as purchasing goods due to sudden isolation, thereby resolving urgent livelihood issues for those in quarantine.

Furthermore, residents who have received hospitalization treatment or quarantine notices from the public health center and have been notified of quarantine release can apply for living support funds at their local community service center. However, residents who have received paid leave are not eligible to apply.

For more detailed information about COVID-19 support measures and living support funds, please contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare Call Center (☎ 129) or Gangdong-gu Office Welfare Policy Division (☎ 3425-5642).

Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon of Gangdong-gu stated, “Most social welfare facilities in the district have closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure residents’ safety, making meticulous measures for vulnerable groups more necessary than ever. Despite the difficult situation, we will make every effort to prepare various support measures to maintain the welfare safety net and ensure the safety and care of vulnerable groups.”

Although childcare centers in Gangdong-gu have closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, emergency childcare is being provided at any time for children of working parents who find home care difficult, and currently, 7.9% of all enrolled children in childcare centers are receiving emergency childcare.

Childcare centers providing emergency care regularly disinfect childcare facilities and teaching materials to prevent COVID-19.

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