"Preventing Infection" vs "How to Endure the Heatwave" Controversy Over Cooling Centers Closed Due to COVID-19

Policy to Suspend or Reduce Operation of Some Heatwave Shelters to Prevent COVID-19 Infection
Concerns Over Health Risks for Heatwave-Vulnerable Groups... 1,841 Heat-Related Illness Cases Last Year
Experts Say "COVID-19 Prevention and Heatwave Measures Should Be Implemented Together"

On the afternoon of the 4th, when the scorching heat continued, heat haze was rising above the road near the City Hall intersection in Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Lim Joo-hyung] As the intense heat begins in earnest, local governments are preparing heatwave countermeasures. However, due to the continued spread of COVID-19 community infections, some heatwave shelters are planned to be closed or operated on a reduced scale.

These measures aim to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, but some express concerns that elderly people may suffer greater harm from heat-related illnesses.

Experts advise that it is inevitable to pursue COVID-19 prevention and heatwave countermeasures simultaneously, but these two policies must be coordinated to avoid conflicts.

On the 28th of last month, Seoul City announced the '2020 Summer Comprehensive Measures' containing the overall heatwave countermeasures for this summer. According to the plan, Seoul will install and operate 4,439 heatwave shelters for the elderly this summer. This is an increase of 670 locations (17.8%) compared to last year, but the capacity per shelter has been reduced to 50% due to the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Heatwave shelters are designated public facilities such as community centers and senior citizen centers where residents can escape the heat while using air conditioning. These are operated annually by Seoul and other local governments, but this year, some will be closed or operated on a reduced scale due to COVID-19.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 4th in its '2020 Heatwave Comprehensive Measures' that as part of infectious disease prevention, if COVID-19 community infections spread, temporary closures of heatwave shelters in the affected areas are recommended, and the use of cooling fog (artificial mist spraying facilities) and ground fountains should be avoided.

Daegu City, which was severely affected by COVID-19 earlier, announced in its heatwave countermeasures that none of the 996 heatwave shelters will be operated this summer. However, cooling appliances such as coolers and fans will be provided to about 10,000 households vulnerable to heatwaves, including elderly living alone, mobility-impaired individuals, and residents of small-room villages.

On the afternoon of the 5th, medical staff are assisting citizens with medical registration at the COVID-19 screening clinic set up in front of the Gwanak-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

The problem lies in that if heatwave shelters and other heatwave countermeasure facilities are closed or operated on a reduced scale, the elderly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses may suffer significant harm. Heat-related illnesses can worsen other diseases such as stroke, circulatory disorders, and mental illnesses, making continuous attention and measures essential.

According to the 'Heat-related Illness Report Status Yearbook' published by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 1,841 heat-related illness cases (11 deaths) were reported through the heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system last year. Although fewer than the over 4,500 cases during the exceptional heatwave in 2018, the number has been steadily increasing since surveillance began in 2011.

Given this situation, public opinion is sharply divided between those advocating for reducing the operation of heatwave shelters and those calling for their full opening.

On the morning of the 21st of last month, employees from the Safety General Division of Gwangju Buk-gu Office are setting up heatshade shelters at the back gate of Chonnam National University in Buk-gu, Gwangju. / Photo by Yonhap News

A(54), who cares for his 80-year-old mother in Bupyeong District, Incheon, said, "This year, I hope my mother stays inside the house as much as possible," adding, "COVID-19 infections have occurred mainly in crowded places like karaoke rooms. Senior centers or community centers are no different. Although the heat will be uncomfortable for everyone, I think it is better than risking life-threatening infection."

B(30), an office worker in Gyeonggi Province living with his grandmother and grandfather, said, "I'm worried because the air conditioner at home is small and the intense heat is starting," and added, "If senior centers are not kept open during the summer, I worry that elderly people won't be able to endure it."

C(31), another office worker, said, "I also feel dizzy when exposed to sunlight for a long time in summer, so I wonder how elderly people can endure the heatwave," emphasizing, "We need to be careful about COVID-19 infection, but heatwave countermeasures are equally important."

Experts suggest that COVID-19 prevention and heatwave countermeasures should be coordinated and implemented together without conflicting.

The Daegu-Gyeongbuk Research Institute stated in a briefing last month titled 'This Year’s Heatwave Measures Must Be Linked with COVID-19 Prevention,' "To prevent cluster infections, it is necessary to secure large heatwave shelters that are preferably open, well-ventilated, and spacious," and explained, "For outdoor group facilities, supplementary measures such as promoting the habitual use of personal parasols and providing shared parasol rental services should be implemented to minimize risks."

They added, "Cooling fog and similar facilities cannot exclude the risk of COVID-19 virus spread," emphasizing, "Facility operation should be carried out only after scientific verification."

Regarding medical facilities, they advised, "Considering the inclusion of both COVID-19 patients and future heatwave patients, difficulties in patient accommodation are expected," and recommended, "Additional medical demand should be carefully reviewed based on heat-related illness occurrence patterns, and sufficient personnel and equipment should be secured in advance."

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