Gwangjin-gu Operates Safe 'Elderly Heat Relief Centers' Despite COVID-19

Operation of 16 Outdoor Heat Relief Shelters Until the End of September to Prevent COVID-19 Spread... Indoor Heat Relief Shelters Operated Flexibly According to COVID-19 Alert Levels

Gwangjin-gu Office Rest Park Operating as an Outdoor Heat Relief Shelter

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is operating ‘Heatwave Shelters’ to help vulnerable groups such as the elderly safely get through the intense summer heat.

First, the district has established 16 outdoor spaces, such as decks in parks and in front of community centers, as ‘Outdoor Heatwave Shelters’ to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The district will conduct pest control and disinfection to ensure residents can use the outdoor heatwave shelters safely, and will select shelter managers through the Hope Job Project to focus on quarantine management.

During future heatwave alerts, cooling supplies such as fans and bottled water will also be provided at the shelters.

Additionally, 97 locations including senior centers and public facilities have been designated as indoor heatwave shelters, which will be flexibly operated according to the COVID-19 crisis alert level.

Indoor heatwave shelters are safely managed through regular ventilation and disinfection, and users must check their temperature and sanitize their hands before entry; the number of users is also limited to half capacity.

Currently, as the COVID-19 crisis alert is at a severe level, 15 community centers among these are being prioritized as heatwave shelters, operating from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

When the crisis alert level is lowered, welfare facilities, public institutions, and senior centers will be gradually opened as well.

Furthermore, the district plans to provide cooling supplies such as fans and cool mats to elderly people living alone who are at risk of heat damage, and will regularly check on their well-being.

District Mayor Kim Seon-gap said, “With this summer expected to be hot again and the added challenge of COVID-19, it will be a tougher season for the elderly. We will prioritize the health and safety of residents and carry out thorough COVID-19 response and heatwave measures.”

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