COVID-19 Infection Routes from Overseas Cases Surge... Seocho-gu Establishes Early Response System for Returning Overseas Travelers
All Seocho-gu Residents Entering from Europe, the US, etc. After March 13 Must Refrain from Going Out for 2 Weeks and Visit Screening Clinics... District Disaster Safety Headquarters Guides 4 Local Screening Clinics Considering Situations
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Among the 16 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Seocho-gu, 8 have been identified as imported cases from overseas, accounting for 50% of the total confirmed cases in the district, showing a rapid increase.
Recently, there has been a shortage of airport testing personnel, and cases have occurred where infections were not detected at quarantine stations but confirmed later after entry. As a result, there is concern that family members of entrants may experience secondary and tertiary infections, causing anxiety among residents.
In response, Seocho-gu (Mayor Cho Eun-hee) is moving swiftly to establish a rapid initial response system for entrants to thoroughly prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.
Since the first confirmed case with overseas contact on March 13, the district has instructed all residents entering from abroad to refrain from going out for two weeks and to visit Seocho-gu screening clinics for immediate testing.
Symptomatic individuals can use any of the four screening clinics in the area (Seocho-gu Public Health Center, Seoul Metropolitan Children's Hospital, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Fire Academy DT (Drive through)), while asymptomatic individuals can use the two screening clinics at Seocho-gu Public Health Center and Children's Hospital.
When visiting screening clinics, proof documents such as airplane tickets (flight number and seat confirmation) and identification must be brought for testing.
Operating hours are as follows: Seocho-gu Public Health Center operates 24 hours; Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Seoul Metropolitan Children's Hospital from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and Fire Academy DT from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the Fire Academy DT screening clinic is only available if the entrant can use a private vehicle without an accompanying person.
The district has formed a dedicated task force for entrant guidance and management, and in case of confirmed cases, plans to promptly hospitalize patients in isolation hospitals and conduct epidemiological investigations according to response guidelines. Once the movement paths of confirmed cases are identified, they will be immediately disclosed on the website.
Family members of confirmed cases are classified as close contacts and are issued self-quarantine notices, with support provided including two weeks’ worth of emergency relief supplies and personal hygiene products.
The district is implementing intensive social distancing measures until April 5 and strongly recommends suspension of operations for 15 days at high-risk facilities such as religious institutions, indoor sports facilities, and entertainment venues.
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A district official stated, “Residents who have entered during this period are advised to refrain from going out, and if you contact the Seocho-gu Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters before testing, we will guide you to the screening clinic that can provide immediate testing based on the current situation of clinics in the area.”
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