Changwon Mayor Heo Seong-mu Urges "Be Sure to Get Anonymous Free Testing"

In-depth Epidemiological Investigation Underway for 3 Confirmed Cases... Water Play Facilities All Stopped

On the morning of the 21st, Heo Seong-mu, Mayor of Changwon City, held a press conference at the City Hall Press Center to discuss the current situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and to urge testing. (Photo by Changwon City)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] As three additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) were reported in Changwon, Gyeongnam, Mayor Heo Seong-moo held an emergency press conference at the City Hall Press Center on the morning of the 21st to update on the current situation and urge testing.

According to Mayor Heo, disinfection has been completed around the confirmed patients' residences and main access routes, and an in-depth epidemiological investigation is underway. Upon its prompt completion, detailed information on movement paths and close contacts will be additionally disclosed.

First, Mayor Heo mentioned the notification from the Disease and Health Integrated System related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Currently, there are a total of 21 people subject to testing in Changwon, of whom 17 have tested negative and are currently under self-quarantine. Additionally, the remaining 3 have submitted confirmation that they did not visit the church during the relevant period.

Regarding the August 15 Liberation Day rally in Seoul, the charter bus companies used for the rally were inspected, and it was confirmed that 367 people traveled on 11 vehicles in Changwon. The number of rally participants who voluntarily reported themselves is 191, and all 11 charter bus drivers who operated on that day tested negative.

Mayor Heo stated, “Of the test results, 183 were negative, 1 person tested positive as the 45th confirmed case, and the results for the remaining 7 are expected this afternoon. We will promptly proceed with the remaining tests and inform the results.”

Changwon City delivered an emergency administrative order from Gyeongnam Province to the responsible leaders to identify additional participants of the Liberation Day rally and is currently checking attendance at all 514 churches in the jurisdiction. So far, 365 locations have been completed.

To block community transmission due to the spread of infection in the metropolitan area, Changwon City will strengthen disinfection measures equivalent to social distancing level 2 for high-risk public facilities starting today and suspend operations of indoor public facilities such as senior centers until the 31st.

Furthermore, facilities with high infection risk such as water play areas will be immediately closed, the operation period of the Robot Land Summer Festival will be shortened, inspections of 12 types of high-risk private facilities will be conducted, and compliance with quarantine rules such as electronic entry log implementation, fever checks, and mask-wearing will be further strengthened.

Mayor Heo said, “COVID-19 diagnostic tests are anonymous and free, so there is no concern about identity exposure,” and urged, “Those who attended Sarang Jeil Church and the Liberation Day rally from the 7th to the 13th are asked to promptly get tested for the safety of their beloved family and neighbors.”

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