Gyeongnam Province Discusses Application Criteria for Social Distancing Restructuring Plan

Gathering Opinions from Various Sectors Including Medical Experts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Civil Society Representatives

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] Gyeongsangnam-do held the ‘2nd Living Quarantine Council’ at the provincial government office on the 5th to respond efficiently as sporadic cluster infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to occur and signs of silent transmission to neighboring areas have appeared.

The council was composed of members from various sectors, including medical and pharmaceutical experts, humanities and social sciences scholars, and representatives of civil society. The meeting shared information on the current status of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province and available medical institutions, as well as the infectious disease response measures currently being implemented by the province.

Ahead of the scheduled revision of ‘social distancing’ on the 7th, discussions were held to review ▲the criteria for applying the revision in Gyeongsangnam-do and ▲the adjustment plan for mandatory mask-wearing. Time was also allocated to check the implementation plans for sustainable COVID-19 response strategies in the fields of quarantine, medical care, and social response.

First, the council reviewed the provincial implementation measures regarding the central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters’ proposed ‘social distancing’ revision plan, which includes ▲detailed stages (from 3 to 5 stages), ▲raising the criteria for escalation, and ▲a precise quarantine system for risk facilities and activities by stage. Experts discussed the plan to further subdivide and set additional Gyeongsangnam-do indicators for implementation.

Additionally, with the guidance period for mandatory mask-wearing ending on the 12th, discussions were held on applying the adjustment plan for the criteria.

The basic rules for mask-wearing and the facilities subject to fines will follow government standards. The scope of mandatory quarantine rules will be expanded to include medical device sales businesses in the form of experience rooms, and continuous mandatory mask-wearing will be enforced at facilities subject to gathering restrictions, including these. Experts’ opinions were collected and reflected in this plan.

Shin Jong-woo, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau of the province, said, “This ‘2nd Living Quarantine Council’ was held due to concerns about the spread of sporadic infections as social activities increase following the relaxation of restrictions on multi-use facilities.”

He added, “Please thoroughly understand this application plan, which has been adjusted to fit our provincial circumstances based on the government’s social distancing revision plan, and actively cooperate in quarantine efforts by wearing masks and following living quarantine rules, as well as by multi-use facility managers.”

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