Kim In-ho, Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, Establishes Social Reintegration Support System for COVID-19 Survivors

Chairman Kim In-ho Proposes Amendment to 'Seoul Metropolitan Infectious Disease Prevention and Management Ordinance'... Includes Practical Support Measures Such as Policy Development, Manual Preparation, and Psychological Counseling for Infectious Disease Patients... First Nationwide Bill for Post-Recovery Support, Expected to Spread to Other Local Governments

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Kim In-ho, Chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, has proposed an amendment to the "Seoul Metropolitan Infectious Disease Prevention and Management Ordinance" to support the social reintegration of individuals who have recovered from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

This ordinance amendment was prepared to prevent human rights violations such as social stigma, discrimination, and hatred against infected individuals and their families due to infectious disease history, as the COVID-19 crisis prolongs, and to further support the social reintegration of those with infectious disease history.

The amendment prohibits discrimination against any individual or group based on infectious disease history [Article 33 (Prohibition of Discrimination) newly established], and includes provisions for the mayor to prepare policies and manuals to support the stable social reintegration of those with infectious disease history, provide psychological counseling support for recovered individuals and their workplace colleagues, conduct related education, and establish cooperative systems among relevant institutions [Article 34 (Support for Social Reintegration, etc.) newly established].

Chairperson Kim In-ho stated, “There have been cases where COVID-19 patients face difficulties in social reintegration due to prejudice and discrimination from those around them even after recovery, so it is necessary for Seoul City to actively prepare measures to help recovered individuals restore their daily lives and reintegrate into society.” He added, “While rapid quarantine and treatment are most important for infectious diseases, everyone should also pay attention to stable social reintegration after recovery.”

He also said, “As everyone experienced during the COVID-19 response process, mature civic consciousness and strong solidarity for the community are essential requirements for overcoming crises,” and “I hope this ordinance will play a role in creating a warm society that understands and cares for infected and recovered individuals from a perspective of inclusion rather than exclusion.”

Currently, at the central government level, efforts are focused only on preventing the spread of infectious diseases and treatment, and there is no related legal system for supporting social reintegration after recovery.

If this ordinance passes, the Seoul Metropolitan Council will be the first in the nation to establish a system supporting the social reintegration of infectious disease recovered individuals, which is expected to influence other local governments as well.

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