Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon: "Anonymous Testing for Itaewon Club Visitors... Cost is Free" (Comprehensive)

On the 10th, when Seoul City issued a 'gathering ban order' for all entertainment facilities in Seoul following the Itaewon club COVID-19 cluster infection incident, a gathering ban notice was posted at the Itaewon club in Seoul visited by confirmed cases. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] To respond to the cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that started in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to implement 'anonymous testing.' This is to encourage club visitors who are reluctant to reveal their identities to voluntarily undergo testing.

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon stated at a COVID-19 briefing on the morning of the 11th, "Those who visited Itaewon clubs or were nearby between April 24 and May 6 must get tested as soon as possible," emphasizing this measure.

Mayor Park said, "Test subjects do not need to worry about identity exposure," adding, "If they wish, they can leave their name blank and be assigned a health center number such as 'Yongsan 01,' with only their phone number verified. Testing is also free of charge."

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, out of a total of 5,517 names secured related to Itaewon clubs, 2,405 have been contacted by phone, but 3,112 remain unreachable. Seoul city believes this may be due to people deliberately avoiding calls or providing false information.

Mayor Park said, "We have already requested the police and telecommunications companies to promptly secure the list of base station users, and we will quickly obtain cooperation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Police Agency," adding, "Seoul wishes for those related to Itaewon clubs to voluntarily come forward for testing, but at the same time, we must also implement compulsory measures."

He also warned, "We are immediately issuing a 'testing compliance order' to Itaewon club visitors. If it is later found that someone visited an Itaewon club but did not get tested, they may be fined 2 million won."

At the same briefing, Mayor Park also ordered compliance with the seven major quarantine rules for similar entertainment establishments such as so-called 'hunting pocha' (outdoor drinking pubs). If these rules are not followed, the establishments will be immediately ordered to close, and legal responsibility will be pursued.

Mayor Park urged, "The next 2 to 3 days are a critical turning point for the resurgence of COVID-19," and asked citizens to maintain heightened vigilance and act as participants in quarantine efforts.

Meanwhile, related to the Itaewon club cluster infection, 85 people nationwide have been confirmed positive so far, with 51 of them in Seoul. In Seoul, 3,077 people, including club visitors and their contacts, have been tested, and 1,049 are still awaiting test results.

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