Seocho-gu's 'Enhanced Safe Library Service'... Yangjae Library Installs 'Safe Disinfection Gate'

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Seocho-gu (Mayor Eunhee Cho) is providing a 'strengthened Safe Library Service' to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and ensure the safety of residents using the libraries.

First, in mid-June, coinciding with the partial reopening of public libraries, the gu installed and is operating the nation's first 'Safe Disinfection Gate' inside the library at the first-floor entrance of Yangjae Library.

This equipment measures 2.5m × 1.9m × 2.4m and is a concentrated system combining various disinfection technologies in one place.

It is a non-face-to-face, non-contact route disinfection device equipped with ▲automatic body temperature measurement via thermal imaging camera ▲eco-friendly hand sanitization ▲aerosol full-body disinfection functions.

In particular, the aerosol full-body disinfection is a more enhanced disinfection measure compared to the previously implemented hand sanitization upon entering the library.

Previously, visitors underwent temperature checks and hand sanitization after entering the building, but the 'Disinfection Gate' method enables ▲prevention of suspected infected persons from entering the facility ▲minimization of operating personnel ▲ensuring the safety of disinfection staff.

The gate passage procedure is as follows: first, after automatic temperature measurement using the thermal imaging camera and hand sanitization, the first door opens; then, inside the gate, visitors undergo full-body disinfection via air shower before passing through the second door to enter the building. After entering, visitors complete an electronic entry log using a QR code.

By completing the 'electronic entry log' upon entry, infection through contact with writing instruments during manual log entries is prevented, and rapid and accurate user identification is possible.

Additionally, depending on the COVID-19 spread trend and facility type, disinfection procedures can be flexibly operated, such as conducting only temperature checks and full-body disinfection.

In the future, the 'Disinfection Gate' can be utilized not only for coronavirus but also for responding to other infectious diseases and hygiene management. Since it has an internal air shower system, it can block indoor inflow of airborne pollutants such as fine dust and disinfect various bacteria and viruses.

Since June last year, the gu's 'Seocho Book Payback Service,' the first of its kind nationwide, has recently seen a surge in usage applications due to the impact of COVID-19.

The 'Seocho Book Payback Service' allows residents to purchase desired books at nine bookstores within the region and receive a refund of the purchase amount if returned within three weeks. The service was patented in March this year. It enables continuous book lending services to residents regardless of library closures due to COVID-19.

A gu official stated, "With increased demand for indoor activities due to COVID-19, the service is popular, receiving up to about 1,990 applications per month. The upward trend is expected to continue for some time."

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