Opening of Heat Relief Shelters in Seongbuk-gu

Utilizing Large Indoor Gymnasiums for Social Distancing... Nighttime Heat Relief Shelter 'Shimya (夜) Camp' for Heat-Vulnerable Groups 운영

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) will open heatwave shelters starting from the 20th to protect residents' health from this summer's record-breaking heatwave.

Due to concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), instead of operating existing indoor heatwave shelters on a limited basis, the plan is to utilize outdoor spaces.

First, during the peak heatwave period from late July to late August, a nighttime heatwave shelter called 'Swimya (夜) Camp' will be operated every Friday and Saturday at a large local gymnasium (Wolgok Badminton Indoor Gymnasium).

The nighttime heatwave shelter will be equipped with convenience facilities such as air conditioning, showers, and restrooms. The district will also provide camping tents, bedding, and offer health programs and simple recreational activities to support residents exhausted by tropical nights with both a place to rest and leisure activities.

To maintain social distancing in daily life, the number of users will be limited. Residents wishing to use the facility can apply in advance through the Seongbuk-gu Office website and local community centers. If the number of applicants exceeds the appropriate limit, vulnerable groups such as the elderly will be given priority, and if below the limit, on-site registration and use will be possible on the day.

Additionally, from late July, the district plans to expand the installation of shade tents in local children's parks and equip outdoor heatwave shelters at 16 locations with heatwave response supplies.

Heatwave shelters will also be opened at local welfare facilities that had suspended operations due to COVID-19. From the 20th, residents can escape the heat at Seongbuk-gu Wolgok Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Jeongneung Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Gireum Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Jangwi Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, and Lifeline Welfare Center.

The five district-run Silver Welfare Centers (Samseon, Jeongneung, Sangwolgok, Jangwi, Seokgwan) will also begin operating shelters on the same day.

Furthermore, about 20 branches of Saemaeul Geumgo (Community Credit Cooperatives) within Seongbuk-gu plan to set up heatwave shelters starting around the third week of July. However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, facilities previously used as heatwave shelters such as senior centers, disability welfare centers, and libraries will not operate this year.

To thoroughly prevent indoor infectious diseases, a dedicated disinfection manager will be appointed for the heatwave shelters during operation, following the guidelines of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Accordingly, individuals with suspected symptoms such as fever will be restricted from using the facilities, and activities such as eating and singing will be prohibited.

Mayor Lee Seung-ro of Seongbuk-gu stated, “Due to restrictions on the use of public facilities caused by COVID-19, vulnerable groups are having a difficult summer. Therefore, we will actively utilize outdoor shade tents and collaborate with public and private institutions such as Saemaeul Geumgo, banks, and police substations to find additional spaces where residents can escape the heat.” He added, “We will establish various measures to ensure that our residents suffer no damage from the heatwave and take responsibility for their health.”

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