COVID-19 Prevention and Environmental Protection... Mapo-gu Conducts 'Handkerchief Use' Campaign

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yudonggyun) is producing handkerchiefs that can be used in various ways to prevent infectious diseases in line with the start of social distancing in daily life due to COVID-19, and is conducting a cultural campaign of ‘washing hands and using handkerchiefs.’

Washing hands is the easiest and most effective way to prevent infectious diseases by blocking viruses from entering the body through the hands. Although wearing masks has become a daily habit during the COVID-19 crisis, touching the eyes or nose with unwashed hands while wearing a mask can still lead to infection with the COVID-19 virus.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has also emphasized that ‘90% of all infectious diseases can be prevented by washing hands alone,’ highlighting handwashing as a ‘self vaccine.’

Therefore, even under the social distancing measures implemented since the 6th, thorough handwashing is necessary to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. According to an experimental survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency last year, 33% of people did not wash their hands at all after using the restroom, and only about 2% practiced proper handwashing for more than 30 seconds under running water, confirming that public awareness of the importance of handwashing is very low.

Considering this reality, the district decided to launch a handwashing culture campaign and produced the ‘30-Second Miracle, Mapo Handkerchief to Overcome COVID-19.’ The handkerchief features easy-to-understand illustrations of the six-step proper handwashing method and six COVID-19 prevention guidelines, enabling anyone to practice correct handwashing and maintain personal hygiene in daily life.

Furthermore, the district expects that using handkerchiefs will help reduce the use of disposable items such as paper towels, contributing to environmental protection.

The ‘Mapo Handkerchief’ has been distributed to vulnerable groups through local community centers since May, and there have been purchase inquiries from residents who heard the news. The district plans to review additional production and distribution after confirming future demand.

To establish a culture of handkerchief use, the district is also promoting the campaign by producing a ‘Handkerchief Use Campaign Video’ using the Baby Shark song together with the Mapo-gu Youth Musical Group.

Mayor Yudonggyun of Mapo-gu said, “There is nothing more important than thoroughly practicing personal hygiene to prevent COVID-19 infection, which is why we planned the ‘Washing Hands and Using Handkerchiefs Culture Campaign.’ Even under the social distancing system in daily life, I hope residents will make mask-wearing a habit and frequently wash their hands using the ‘Mapo Handkerchief’ to stay safe from viruses.”

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