Jongno-gu Implements Comprehensive Winter Measures... Focus on 'COVID-19 Response' and 'Protection of Vulnerable Residents'

Focusing on Infectious Disease Response and Protection of Vulnerable Groups, Measures Implemented in 5 Areas... Enforcement of COVID-19 Prevention Rules and Mandatory Mask Wearing... Seasonal Fine Dust Management, Dust Control Inspections, and Road Dust Vacuum Vehicle Operation... Emergency Living Expenses and Winter Supplies Provided to Ssokbang Residents, Daily Welfare Checks for Low-Income Elderly Living Alone

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) will implement the '2020 Winter Comprehensive Measures' from November 15 to March 15 of next year to prevent various disasters and accidents such as heavy snowfall and fires during the winter season, ensuring that all residents can spend a warm and safe winter.

This year's winter comprehensive measures focus on 'infectious disease response,' 'protection of vulnerable groups,' and 'snow removal measures.' In particular, the district plans to concentrate on five key areas: ▲health and environment ▲cold wave ▲snow removal ▲safety ▲livelihood.

First, as part of health and environment measures, the district operates a 'Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' to respond to COVID-19, maintaining an emergency work system. Thorough quarantine measures are in place, and compliance with quarantine rules and mandatory mask-wearing enforcement are conducted to prevent the spread caused by indoor crowding during winter.

Additionally, free influenza vaccinations will be expanded not only for the national flu prevention program but also for high-risk groups with frequent public contact, such as public service workers and those exposed to outdoor environments.

To address the worsening fine dust problem, the district implements seasonal fine dust management and controls emission sources to reduce pollutant emissions. Dust control inspections are strengthened at 72 dust-generating business sites, and road dust vacuum vehicles are operated more extensively during high fine dust concentration periods. Winter-specific waste such as kimchi-making waste, briquette ash, and fallen leaves are collected promptly. Safety education is provided to sanitation workers to prevent accidents, and sandboxes and calcium chloride are stocked to prepare for freezing conditions.

For cold wave situation management, the district office, community service centers, and related organizations maintain a cooperative system and plan to operate a comprehensive support situation room when a cold wave advisory is issued. To protect vulnerable groups such as low-income households and residents of small rooms from cold damage, COVID-19 emergency living expenses, fuel costs, and winter supplies are provided, and daily welfare checks are conducted for low-income elderly living alone and vulnerable children.

Also, considering the COVID-19 situation during cold wave advisories, cold wave shelters will be operated, and cold wave kits consisting of thermal underwear, sleeping socks, and hot packs will be distributed to children from low-income families.

Furthermore, to prevent inconvenience and damage caused by heavy snowfall, proactive snow removal measures will be implemented. A 24-hour situation room will be operated to respond promptly according to five work stages: normal, reinforcement, and stages 1 to 3.

This year, the use of eco-friendly small-packaged (5kg) snow removal agents will be expanded, and smart snow removal boxes utilizing the Internet of Things will be operated to improve work efficiency and real-time responsiveness. Snow removal will be conducted in 115 vulnerable sections within the district with the participation of about 2,500 residents from 13 organizations, including the neighborhood council and Saemaul leaders.

Additionally, an animated promotional video encouraging residents to clear snow in front of their homes (or stores) will be used to increase participation and spread a culture of joint snow removal efforts.

Winter safety measures are also essential. Facility inspections will be conducted in fire-prone areas such as small room districts and traditional markets, and wildfire prevention campaigns will be held at major hiking trail entrances within the district. A wildfire suppression team will be organized to prepare for any emergencies. Safety inspections will be carried out on construction sites, facilities, 84 major cultural heritage sites, and public-private indoor sports facilities.

Jongno-gu will also strive to stabilize prices by preparing livelihood measures. A comprehensive price countermeasure situation room will be operated within the Job and Economy Division to monitor trends and manage and inspect traditional markets and large supermarkets.

Price monitoring personnel will be deployed to carefully watch for excessive price increases, and cooperation letters for price stabilization will also be distributed.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “We aim to respond swiftly to the COVID-19 situation and establish thorough preparedness to prevent residents from suffering damage due to cold waves or heavy snowfall. We will meticulously implement sector-specific measures so that all residents, including vulnerable groups, can spend this winter warmly and safely.”

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