Seoul Districts' COVID-19 Case Numbers Worsen 'Local Image'... What Can Be Done?

Seongbuk-gu Leads with 64 COVID-19 Cases per 100,000, Followed by Gwanak-gu, Dongjak-gu, Nowon-gu, Jongno-gu, and Yongsan-gu in 2nd to 6th... Gwangjin-gu Ranks 25th, Seodaemun-gu 24th, Seongdong-gu 23rd, Gangdong-gu 22nd, and Geumcheon-gu 21st from the Bottom

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “The increasing number of COVID-19 confirmed cases is severely damaging the area's image, which is a big problem.”

This is a statement from an official of a district in Seoul.

Districts in Seoul with a significant rise in COVID-19 cases inevitably face concerns due to the negative impact on their local image.

In particular, Seongbuk-gu ranked first with 64 cases per 100,000 people as of the 2nd. The overwhelming number of cases among Sarang Jeil Church members led to this top ranking, tarnishing the district's image.

An official from Seongbuk-gu lamented, "As of the 7th, over 1,163 Sarang Jeil Church members have been confirmed positive, resulting in a dishonorable record."

Meanwhile, Gwanak-gu initially saw outbreaks among multi-level marketing companies, and recently, confirmed cases have steadily emerged from churches, putting public officials in a difficult position.

Dongjak-gu also steadily increased to rank third, causing considerable concern among officials.

Nowon-gu has continuously reported cases from local churches, damaging its image as a healing city surrounded by Bukhansan Mountain.

On the other hand, Gwangjin-gu recorded the lowest with 27 cases per 100,000 people. However, recently, an outbreak at Hyemin Hospital, where a nurse transmitted the virus to doctors, patients, and staff resulting in 18 cases, led the district office to unusually file a complaint against the hospital for violating infectious disease regulations.

Gwangjin-gu had successfully prevented COVID-19 cases for a considerable period, but a cluster infection at a local pub wiped out their efforts.

Gangdong-gu was ranked 24th but recently faced difficulties after 16 cases emerged at a call center. Initially, the infection of an assistant pastor at Myeongseong Church caused great concern, but no further cases appeared, providing some relief. However, recent developments have raised tensions again.

Meanwhile, Seongdong-gu is holding steady at 23rd place. The district is believed to have achieved good results by responding relatively well early on, such as being the first district in Seoul to mandate mask-wearing for restaurant workers starting in May.

Seodaemun-gu ranks 24th, and Geumcheon-gu is holding at 21st place.

District officials are working tirelessly without holidays to protect residents, but they feel frustrated as there is no way to prevent outbreaks when they occur in churches, multi-level marketing companies, or call centers.

As of September 8, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Seoul districts is reported as follows: Seongbuk-gu 309, Gwanak-gu 296, Songpa-gu 279, and Nowon-gu 273.

The district with the fewest cases is Jung-gu with 54, followed by Jongno-gu with 69, Geumcheon-gu with 80, and Seongdong-gu with 103.

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