Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok: "Limitations to Quarantine Authorities' Efforts Alone... Essential Cooperation from Residents"

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, appealed, "The current efforts of the quarantine authorities have reached their limits, and the active cooperation of the residents is urgently needed."

Governor Kim announced in an emergency statement on the 18th, "Following the eastern region, Mokpo City and Samhyang-eup in Muan County will also be raised to Level 1.5 starting from 0:00 on the 19th."

He added, "From the 7th, over 12 days, 93 confirmed cases have occurred in the eastern region including Yeosu, Suncheon, Gwangyang, and Hwasun," and said, "The number of confirmed cases is showing an increasing trend, overlapping with seasonal risk factors."

Looking at the recent small-scale cluster infections by region, Suncheon City reported 39 confirmed cases starting from the Shinhan Bank branch, spreading to restaurants, gyms, saunas, and hospitals.

In Gwangyang City, 30 cases were confirmed at Sungkwang Enterprise, shopping centers, restaurants, and PC rooms, while in Hwasun County, starting from a caregiver, 6 people including spouse, children, coworkers, and home service recipients tested positive.

In Mokpo City, a woman who had been hospitalized at Jeonnam National University Hospital tested positive after discharge, resulting in 8 confirmed cases including family members, nurses at Gidok Hospital, and students of Mokpo National University.

Governor Kim emphasized, "Small-scale cluster infections are occurring simultaneously in facilities closely related to daily life, and secondary infections are progressing very rapidly," adding, "As seen in the recent trend of confirmed cases, there is a limit to blocking the spread with only epidemiological investigations and efforts by quarantine authorities."

He continued, "Confused with a cold, people continue activities during the 3 to 4 days when infectivity is high after symptom onset, spreading the virus to the community," and urged, "Private gatherings and dinners such as year-end parties should be refrained from, and movement outside of commuting should be minimized."

He further stated, "If symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, or muscle pain appear, do not go out and immediately get tested at diagnostic centers where the city and counties cover the costs," emphasizing, "Wearing masks and social distancing are the greatest strengths to overcome this crisis."

Additionally, he added, "Public institutions and companies should refrain from holding group events and conduct them online," and "Use of multi-use facilities such as gyms, saunas, restaurants, cafes, and PC rooms should be avoided, and enclosed spaces should be refrained from."

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