"Confirmed Patient's Jajangmyeon Errand Too..." COVID-19 Nurse's Appeal

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) originating from Seoul and the metropolitan area continues, it has been revealed that some YouTubers who tested positive have clashed with medical staff while live streaming from hospital wards. Additionally, it has been found that some confirmed patients demand food and the introduction of external items, causing significant difficulties for medical personnel.

Choi Won-young, a nurse at Seoul National University Hospital, said in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 24th, "They are actually working very hard, but instead of expressing gratitude to those who are struggling so much, they make unreasonable demands, which made me very angry."

Referring to an anecdote from a friend working in a COVID-19 ward, Choi said, "While it is possible to deliver important items, there are people who frequently order deliveries like packages or jajangmyeon," adding, "Since we cannot leave them unattended, we have to reluctantly go and deliver them."

He explained, "Although these demands are unavoidable, the time spent persuading patients that their requests cannot be fulfilled or simply giving in to them is the same, so most of the time, after tiring disputes, we end up complying," and added, "Nurses get exhausted, and during that time, they cannot perform other necessary tasks, which leads to work paralysis."

Regarding broadcasts by YouTubers who tested positive, Choi said, "Personally, if the content is not problematic, it is fine," but pointed out, "If they spread misinformation or only show partial aspects and say things like 'I called but no one came,' 'They are locking me up,' or 'They are abusing me,' it damages the honor of medical staff or makes them feel unfairly treated, which I think tires the medical personnel."

He continued, "I have seen some people spreading conspiracy theories, but first of all, no test is 100% accurate, and false positives or false negatives can occur," and criticized, "Raising conspiracy theories about the government's quarantine or treatment system and sowing distrust among the public is actually worse in the current situation."

Choi also shared the difficulties faced by nurses working in COVID-19 wards.

He said, "One nurse takes care of 10 patients," and added, "Even taking care of 10 general patients is very challenging, but having to put on and take off isolation suits repeatedly while caring for 10 patients must be extremely difficult."

He concluded, "I hope there will be bold measures to increase medical staff wages as a way to increase personnel," and said, "I hope realistic countermeasures will be prepared."

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