Jongno-gu Installs Air Conditioners for Vulnerable Groups in Response to COVID-19

Before the Peak Heat, 184 Vulnerable Households Selected for 'Air Conditioner Support'... IoT Devices Installed in Elderly Homes to Monitor Conditions and Check Health Daily

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) is establishing protection measures for vulnerable groups at high risk of COVID-19 and taking proactive measures in anticipation that the average temperature this summer will be higher than usual and the number of heatwave days will also increase.

Moreover, due to the impact of COVID-19 this year, operating cooling shelters is difficult, making it urgent to prepare measures for low-income households with poor living conditions.

Accordingly, the district first selected 184 vulnerable households within the district, including elderly people with poor living conditions or mobility difficulties, grandparent-headed families, single-parent families, youth, and people with disabilities, and is promoting air conditioner support.

Recipients were selected through recommendations from case managers, residents in welfare blind spots, and community service centers. Distribution began on May 25, and installation is planned to be completed for all target households by mid-June. Half of the costs for purchasing and installing air conditioners are covered by donations from residents and sponsorships from companies, making this effort even more meaningful.

Jongno-gu supported 71 air conditioners for heatwave-vulnerable households last year as well, and this year plans to expand the target group to carefully protect the health of vulnerable groups and residents in blind spots who could lose their health due to the heatwave.

In addition, the district will also conduct health management for elderly people living alone using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. IoT devices that detect living data such as temperature, humidity, and movement will be installed in the homes of elderly people to monitor their situation. When a heatwave warning is issued, their safety will be checked daily by phone or direct visits.

This summer, a total of 68 cooling shelters will be designated and operated at welfare centers, senior centers, and community service centers, among which 27 locations will operate as extended shelters until 9 p.m. during heatwave warnings. In accordance with living quarantine guidelines, thorough infection prevention education will be conducted in advance for users, and a volunteer disaster prevention team will be matched one-to-one to each facility to take charge of disinfection, ensuring strict living quarantine. However, operation of cooling shelters may be suspended depending on the spread of COVID-19.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “A season is approaching when health management for residents with poor living conditions is more worrisome than ever due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic overlapping with the heatwave.” He added, “Before the full onset of the heat, we have promoted the installation of air conditioners for elderly people vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. We will do our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection and ensure that all residents can stay healthy this summer.”

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