Eunpyeong-gu Distributes Thermometers to 210,000 Households, Launches 'One Temperature Check a Day Campaign'

Increase in COVID-19 Confirmed Cases... Immediate Activation of Response Team

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) is operating an 'Immediate Response Team' to take proactive measures as COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to rise.

The Eunpyeong-gu Public Health Center has been analyzing the trend of COVID-19 confirmed cases since the first case was reported on February 21.

Recently, the infection routes of COVID-19 have shown local transmission patterns originating from restaurants, churches, and sports facilities, leading to an increase in confirmed cases.

In Eunpyeong-gu, the number of cases is showing an increasing trend compared to before. This is mainly attributed to church service attendees, participation in gatherings, and visits to exercise facilities.

Although many infection routes are from other regions, the rise in confirmed cases among residents within Eunpyeong has raised awareness and prompted careful response measures.

Already, on February 21, a staff member responsible for patient transport at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital was confirmed positive for COVID-19, and on February 25, a therapist working at Seoul Rehabilitation Hospital was confirmed positive, raising concerns about the spread of infection.

At that time, Eunpyeong-gu’s initial response successfully blocked transmission to the local community and prevented further confirmed cases within the hospital, serving as a model experience.

Eunpyeong-gu formed a 'Joint Management Task Force' and an 'Immediate Response Team' to conduct thorough epidemiological investigations and quickly contain the spread of confirmed cases. This approach was introduced as a COVID-19 response strategy by the World Health Organization.

During the previous COVID-19 situation, Eunpyeong continuously strengthened its public health medical system. In August, with the summer vacation season and increased indoor activities due to prolonged monsoon rains, confirmed cases rose, prompting swift 'Immediate Response' measures.

When confirmed cases occur, thorough epidemiological investigations are conducted to meticulously manage movement paths. If there is a possibility of cluster outbreaks, teams are dispatched to the site to set up temporary screening clinics and conduct comprehensive testing.

Additionally, close communication with Seoul City enables the Immediate Response Team to promptly close facilities temporarily and carry out emergency disinfection.

The testing system has also been improved. The 'Eunpyeong-type Specimen Collection Room' was established, introducing a Glove-Wall system that separates patients and medical staff during specimen collection to minimize infection risk. This has reduced medical staff fatigue and improved services for residents.

As a leading district, Eunpyeong was the first nationwide to provide visual support boards for the disabled, foreigners, and the elderly. Recognizing communication difficulties during testing for these groups, the screening clinics were equipped with 'picture letter boards' and 'visual support boards,' receiving positive responses from residents.

The public health medical system within Eunpyeong has also been organized. Collaborating with local medical organizations, over 770 medical facilities, and more than 830 pharmaceutical sales outlets, a dense crisis management system through an infectious disease control network has been established, and a COVID-19 white paper is planned.

Moreover, Eunpyeong was the first nationwide to form a voluntary disinfection team, conducting approximately 400 disinfection activities within the district.

Alongside this, a self-diagnosis campaign for infectious disease prevention is underway. Starting in September, the first nationwide initiative will sequentially distribute thermometers to 210,000 households in Eunpyeong to promote the 'One Temperature Check a Day Campaign.'

Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, stated, “Due to prolonged monsoon rains caused by climate change, more people are staying indoors, showing signs of secondary infections. We urge everyone to remain vigilant about COVID-19 once again and strictly follow personal hygiene and prevention guidelines.”

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