Only 6 Severe COVID-19 Beds Left in Seoul... Urging Cancellation of All Gatherings Over 10 People

Seoul City Requests Cooperation from Medical Sector Including Designation of Dedicated Beds at Large University Hospitals

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has requested assistance from the medical community and major university hospitals, stating that additional dedicated beds for severe COVID-19 patients need to be secured. They also urged citizens to refrain from all gatherings, including company dinners.

Park Yu-mi, Director of the Seoul Citizen Health Bureau (Quarantine Controller), stated in an online briefing on the 2nd, "Out of the total 59 dedicated treatment beds for severe patients in Seoul, 53 are currently in use, leaving only 6 beds available for admission." Director Park explained, "Severe patient beds must be operated as single rooms with negative pressure, requiring more space than general beds and 5 to 10 times more medical staff."

She added, "Medical equipment such as ventilators and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) must also be additionally installed," and said, "Considering the location, medical equipment, and medical technology, it is difficult to secure additional dedicated beds without cooperation from private tertiary general hospitals."

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is making efforts to secure dedicated beds for severe patients through private hospitals, including holding an emergency meeting the previous day with Acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyeop and directors of seven major university hospitals in the city.

Director Park also emphasized on the 3rd, a day before the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), "We must ensure that examinees can take the exam safely and prevent the spread of infection for everyone's health," urging, "Citizens should refrain from all gatherings, especially cancel meetings such as company dinners with 10 or more people."

Since there are still entrance exam schedules such as university-specific tests after the CSAT, the city is preparing measures including quarantine at private academies and restaurants around university areas, and supporting the movement of examinees under self-quarantine.

Director Park strongly requested, "Examinees should also refrain from meeting appointments and strictly follow personal quarantine rules after the CSAT for the safety of themselves, their families, and neighbors."

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