Seoul Jung-gu Actively Supports Foreigners' Preemptive Testing with Interpretation and Foreign Language Leaflets

Posting banners in English, Chinese, and Russian in areas with high concentrations of foreign workers and major tourist attractions... Production of 6 types of free testing guide leaflets in different languages distributed to workplaces employing foreign workers

Russian Leaflet

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) is actively strengthening publicity and providing interpreter support for foreign workers who find it difficult to get tested for COVID-19.

This is to improve the environment where testing is avoided due to the three discomforts of inconvenience, anxiety, and discomfort, so that foreign workers can get tested more easily and comfortably.

First, the district posted banners written in English, Chinese, and Russian in areas densely populated by foreign workers and major tourist attractions, and created six types of free testing guide leaflets in different languages (English, Chinese, Russian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Mongolian) which were distributed to workplaces employing foreign workers.

They are actively encouraging testing by promoting that even undocumented immigrants can receive free preemptive testing without any personal disadvantages.

Additionally, from the 17th to the 26th of this month, a "Mobile Screening Team" was operated in areas densely populated by foreign workers to increase convenience in testing.

Volunteer center interpreters are assigned to the Mobile Screening Team to support and ensure no inconvenience during testing. Interpreters proficient in languages such as Chinese and Vietnamese assist in overcoming language barriers during communication and questionnaire completion in the testing process.

Currently, the government provides free COVID-19 testing for foreigners as well, and supports living expenses during self-quarantine for foreign residents. If confirmed positive, isolation and inpatient treatment costs are also supported. However, treatment costs follow the principle of reciprocity. Only foreigners from countries that provide medical cost support to Koreans are eligible for treatment cost benefits.

Also, even if undocumented status is revealed, quarantine authorities do not notify immigration agencies of this fact.

Meanwhile, from the 17th to the 22nd, 678 foreigners visited the Mobile Screening Team and underwent COVID-19 screening tests, among whom 2 were confirmed positive.

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "The district is tirelessly working to encourage preemptive COVID-19 testing for foreigners who hesitated due to difficulties in proving their identity," and added, "Anyone, symptomatic or asymptomatic, can receive free preemptive COVID-19 testing, so we hope not only foreigners but all residents use the Mobile Screening Team to prevent silent transmission."

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