Government Sejong Cheongsa, Internal Connecting Passage and Rooftop Garden Access Blocked

On the morning of the 12th, when additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) occurred at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the Government Complex Sejong, Sejong City, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries viewed from the adjacent office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs was completely empty. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The government has decided to block access to the internal connecting corridors and rooftop garden of the Government Sejong Complex starting from the 14th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) announced on the same day, "To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will strengthen quarantine measures within the Sejong Complex and actively respond with the resident ministries."

According to the CDSCH, the Government Complex Management Headquarters installed a drive-through screening clinic near the complex on the 13th to enable Sejong Complex officials to receive diagnostic tests quickly.

The number of thermal imaging cameras installed throughout the complex, which was 48 units, was increased to 69 units as of the 11th to detect suspected COVID-19 cases with symptoms such as fever at an early stage. Additionally, the facial recognition access system has been temporarily suspended to allow movement within the complex while wearing masks.

Disinfection of the complex has been increased from twice a week to three times a week. As part of the 'social distancing' campaign, lunch hours at the cafeteria have been staggered, and employees are guided to sit facing one direction while eating.

At the ministry level, flexible working hours are being expanded to improve situations where employees work in close proximity.

After the COVID-19 infectious disease crisis alert was raised to the highest level, 'Severe,' on the 23rd of last month, the Complex Management Headquarters established the 'Government Complex COVID-19 Task Force' and has been strengthening quarantine measures, including operating thermal imaging cameras at 11 government complexes nationwide. Measures such as closing daycare centers within the complex and suspending the opening of multi-use facilities like sports facilities have also been implemented.

The headquarters is also assisting health authorities' epidemiological investigations by tracking confirmed patients' movements through CCTV and access systems. In case of confirmed cases, response guidelines are disseminated to ministries, and support is provided to isolate employees working in the same department as the confirmed patients.

As of 7 a.m. on the day, the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Sejong City was 39. Among them, 29 are government officials working at the Sejong Complex, with 25 confirmed cases coming from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries alone.

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