Minister of Science and ICT visits 114 Call Center to review COVID-19 response

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] Jang Seok-young, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited the 114 Information Call Center located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 24th to inspect the response situation to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, since the COVID-19 response level was raised to the severe stage on the 23rd of last month, inquiries to the 114 information number, including pharmacies, public health centers, and the 1339 call center nationwide, have surged by about 68,000 calls per day (18%), reaching 435,000 calls on average daily.

The 114 information service operates with seven call centers nationwide and 780 counselors. Considering the work environment vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, safety measures have been implemented, such as expanding the distance between counselors to a minimum of 1.2 meters, which is wider than the Ministry of Employment and Labor standards, and increasing the telecommuting rate to 50%.

On this day, Vice Minister Jang expressed gratitude and encouragement to the counselors who are contributing to preventing the spread of infectious diseases by promptly handling the rapidly increasing information inquiries. He also urged, "Please strictly follow safety rules and do your best to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19."

The Ministry of Science and ICT has judged that the role of 114 is important when citizens quickly look for urgent phone numbers in emergency situations, and plans to work together with service providers to ensure that the 114 information service is stably provided.

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