Park Neung-hoo "Very Concerned About Recurrence of Church Cluster Infections... Considering Reimplementation of Quarantine Measures" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Recently, in relation to the cluster outbreaks of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at some churches in the Seoul metropolitan area, the government has begun to actively consider additional quarantine reinforcement measures for churches. Park Neung-hoo, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of Health and Welfare, said on the 9th, "Although the majority of churches are voluntarily adhering well to quarantine rules, it is very concerning that cluster infections of the same type as in the past have occurred again in churches."

At a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Deputy Head Park stated regarding measures against cluster infections in metropolitan area churches, "We have already implemented countermeasures, so we are discussing whether to reintroduce these measures repeatedly or to implement stronger new regulations."

As cluster infections continued in May and June at pioneer churches in the metropolitan area, Wangseong Church in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, and Juyeonggwang Church in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, the government took measures on the 10th of last month to prohibit various small gatherings and group meals other than regular worship services at churches nationwide. Deputy Head Park said at the CDSCH meeting held before the briefing, "The number of domestically confirmed COVID-19 cases, which had been stable, has increased again to the 30s within about two weeks."

Deputy Head Park emphasized, "At two churches where recent cluster infections occurred, people took off 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," adding, "During religious events, please voluntarily comply with quarantine rules such as always wearing masks and avoiding group meals."

Deputy Head Park 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 also be at risk, saying, "In the current COVID-19 situation, social isolation and infection anxiety are added, so 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 specific groups such as 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 precautions such as refraining from going out."

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