"Borrow Books and Even Sell Sashimi" Rediscovering the Drive-Thru

Evolution from Selective Screening Clinics to Commercial Areas
Renting Books and Toys, Selling Sashimi and Dwaejigalbi

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), interest in untact (untact - non-face-to-face) contact has been increasing. In particular, the 'drive-thru' COVID-19 testing method, which originated from the idea of a local government, is demonstrating its strengths as it spreads to various areas of society.

Drive-thru sales methods, commonly used by fast food restaurants or coffee shops, are also being actively adopted by general restaurants, bookstores, and toy rental shops, attracting attention. In Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 'live fish sashimi lunch boxes' are being sold using the drive-thru method to help fishermen struggling with the suspension of aquaculture seafood shipments. In Buk-gu, Daegu, and Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, restaurants selling pork ribs via drive-thru have also appeared.

Seongdong-gu and Seocho-gu in Seoul, as well as Anyang-si and Uiwang-si in Gyeonggi-do, have started non-face-to-face book lending services centered on libraries that have closed due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation. After applying online to borrow the desired book, customers can receive the book face-to-face by showing their name and membership number at a temporary lending station in the parking lot. Changwon-si, Gyeongnam, introduced toy drive-thru rentals for the first time. Changwon-si explained, "As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, we are providing toy rental services for parents who have to keep their infants and toddlers at home."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Not only domestically but also overseas, Korea's drive-thru method is gaining attention. The United States, where COVID-19 cases are increasing, has decided to adopt the Korean-style drive-thru testing method, and drive-thru screening clinics have opened throughout Europe, including the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark.

Experts evaluate that the drive-thru method minimizes contact between medical staff and patients, reducing the risk of virus transmission. Starting with Kyungpook National University Hospital in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk, drive-thru screening clinics have been successively introduced by local governments such as Yeungnam University Hospital in Daegu, Goyang-si in Gyeonggi-do, and Sejong-si.

As the safety and efficiency of drive-thru have been proven, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced that it will prepare a standard operating model for local governments to utilize.

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