France's Le Monde Focuses on Seocho's Leading Quarantine Measures in Special Report

"'Like Forensic Investigation' Le Monde Praises Seocho-gu Epidemiological Investigation"

Le Monde article

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] 'Epidemiological investigations were conducted like a form of forensic science'

The prominent French daily newspaper Le Monde described Seoul's Seocho District's COVID-19 epidemiological investigations in this way while introducing Korea's leading COVID-19 response in a recent special report.

France was the first in Europe and the fourth worldwide after the United States, India, and Brazil in terms of confirmed cases, to the extent that regional movement restrictions were once imposed due to the severity of the situation.

In this context, Le Monde visited Korea, specifically Seocho District, known for its outstanding epidemiological investigation capabilities and excellent screening clinic facilities, on November 19 to ask how France could overcome COVID-19 through K-quarantine, and this was reported prominently.

Seocho's Untact Screening Clinic, On-site Coverage with Rapid Response TF Team... Focused Reporting on Seocho's Swift Response Efforts

Le Monde showed particular interest in Korea's globally renowned epidemiological investigations, conducting interviews with Seocho District Mayor Eun-hee Cho and accompanying the Seocho 'Rapid Response TF' team for on-site, in-depth coverage. This coverage was featured on the front page of the article.

Le Monde especially praised Seocho District for conducting epidemiological investigations "like a form of forensic science," highlighting Seocho's use of various data such as QR codes and CCTV (closed-circuit television) in their investigations.

Le Monde reported that Korea's low COVID-19 death toll is due to Koreans' strict adherence to quarantine guidelines.

The outlet stated, "Currently, all residents still comply well with quarantine rules. Unlike Europe and the United States, where government leaders' abilities are doubted due to hasty government messages, in Korea (Seocho), most citizens who responded to questions are confident that government measures are appropriate. The fact that the number of deaths is very low despite not restricting residents' freedom of movement and allowing stores to operate freely is clear evidence."

To conduct in-depth coverage of Korea's COVID-19 response, Le Monde accompanied Seocho District's COVID-19 Rapid Response TF team and separately interviewed Seocho District Mayor Eun-hee Cho.

Among various local governments in Korea, Seocho was chosen due to trust in its epidemiological investigation capabilities and screening clinic facilities.

In fact, Seocho District, believing that rapid diagnostic testing is the best vaccine against COVID-19, built Korea's first untact screening clinic early in the outbreak to minimize residents' anxiety and prevent community spread. Through this, they established a state-of-the-art system capable of conducting over 1,000 tests per day.

Reported by Le Monde journalist

In an interview with Le Monde, Seocho District Mayor Eun-hee Cho said, "The past 10 months have been a tough learning experience. However, thanks to the measures we have implemented, we have been able to navigate the pandemic so far. We believe residents' participation is very high."

She added, "Mature civic consciousness is the most reliable foundation in responding to COVID-19. The experience from the previous MERS outbreak has been reflected in the improved health insurance and healthcare system, and the dedication of medical staff and public officials who have been on the front lines of quarantine for a long time means we are ahead of other countries in responding to COVID-19. I hope Seocho District's advanced COVID-19 response can serve as a good reference for other countries so that we can overcome this disaster together."

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