Park Neung-hoo "Very concerned about recurrence of church group infections... Request to comply with quarantine rules"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of Health and Welfare, stated on the 9th regarding the cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 in some churches in the metropolitan area, "While the majority of churches are voluntarily adhering well to quarantine guidelines, it is very concerning that cluster infections of the same type as in the past have occurred again in churches."

At the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Deputy Head Park said, "The number of domestically confirmed COVID-19 cases, which had shown a stable trend, has increased again to the 30s after about two weeks."

Deputy Head Park explained, "In two churches where recent cluster infections occurred, people removed their masks and talked while having group meals after worship, and another church was located on the basement first floor with no windows or ventilation facilities, creating an environment vulnerable to infection," emphasizing, "During religious events, please make sure to wear masks and avoid group meals, and voluntarily comply with quarantine rules."

He also expressed concern that during social crises such as the 1997 International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic crisis and the 2008 financial crisis, mental health can be at risk, saying, "In the current COVID-19 situation, social isolation and infection anxiety are added, and the public’s mind and body are likely very exhausted."

He added that to help overcome anxiety and depression, a psychological counseling hotline (1577-0199) is being operated, and psychological support services tailored to the characteristics of small business owners, economically vulnerable groups, the elderly, students, confirmed patients, and their families will be strengthened.

Furthermore, amid ongoing nationwide damage caused by heavy rain, he pointed out, "In areas where electricity and water supply have been cut off due to flooding and landslides, diseases caused by spoiled food and contaminated water may occur, and there is also a possibility of COVID-19 spreading as it becomes difficult to pay attention to quarantine."

Deputy Head Park requested, "Relevant ministries and local governments should closely monitor the heavy rain situation and respond promptly to any damage," adding, "Since this rain is expected to continue for several days, we ask all citizens to pay close attention to weather warnings and take thorough safety measures such as refraining from going out."

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