Yeongdeungpo-gu Initiates Proactive Testing for Asymptomatic Infections in Nursing Homes and Ssokbangchon

Implementation of 'Yeongdeungpo-type Case Definition,' Diagnostic Testing for Infection-Vulnerable Groups, and Same-Day Testing for Overseas Entrants to Lead Safe Communities from COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chaehyun Il) is taking the lead in creating a safe community from COVID-19 by implementing the ‘Yeongdeungpo-type case definition,’ conducting diagnostic tests for vulnerable groups, and promoting testing on the day of entry for overseas arrivals.

Since May, the district has completed comprehensive testing for all homeless shelters, foreigner facilities, workers and patients in nursing hospitals, and elderly residents in welfare facilities, which are environments vulnerable to infection.

They have also conducted COVID-19 tests for foreign workers at medium and large construction sites, continuously striving to eliminate blind spots in quarantine through proactive testing of vulnerable groups.

Currently, the number of overseas arrivals is steadily increasing, and cases of positive test results among those submitting negative test confirmations from countries with strengthened quarantine measures are also rising.

Accordingly, the district established a principle of testing on the day of entry and signed a business agreement with Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital in April. So far, 179 nighttime (late-night) arrivals have been tested on the day of entry and are being managed accordingly.

Additionally, the district introduced the ‘Yeongdeungpo-type case definition’ for COVID-19 testing. Currently, testing costs are supported by national funds for symptomatic individuals, but not for asymptomatic individuals.

Therefore, when confirmed cases occur among asymptomatic individuals, the district applies the ‘Yeongdeungpo-type case definition’ to high-risk facilities and vulnerable populations where cluster infections could occur, conducting proactive testing.

The ‘Yeongdeungpo-type case definition’ refers to cases where, despite being asymptomatic, epidemiological links and infection concerns exist at workplaces with confirmed cases, making testing necessary.

It also applies when asymptomatic individuals belong to high-risk groups requiring testing to prevent community spread. The testing targets mainly include vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes, dormitories, schools, kindergartens, and jjokbangchon (small-room villages).

Although multiple confirmed cases occurred in local sites such as Yeouido Hongwoo Building and Yeongdeungpo Hospital, the district prevented cluster outbreaks and blocked infection spread in advance through operating walk-through screening clinics, rapid epidemiological investigations, and proactive testing.

As a result, the number of tests conducted per 100,000 population in the district has reached about 6,600, ranking first among Seoul’s autonomous districts.

Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Chaehyun Il stated, “Through the Yeongdeungpo-type case definition, we were able to conduct proactive testing for vulnerable groups and asymptomatic self-quarantined individuals, preventing cluster infections. We will continue to prioritize protecting the lives and safety of residents until COVID-19 is eradicated.”

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