"Consecutive COVID-19 Cases at Department Stores... Retail Sector's 'All-Out' Quarantine Efforts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] As COVID-19 cases continue to emerge at department stores in Seoul, the retail industry is on high alert.

Shinsegae Department Store announced on the 14th that one sales staff member at the children's corner on the 10th floor of the main building of Shinsegae Gangnam Branch tested positive for COVID-19, and the floor will be closed for the day. The staff member worked from noon to 8:40 p.m. on the 11th and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the 12th. Shinsegae Department Store stated, "We are conducting thorough disinfection of the entire floor and are testing employees for COVID-19," adding, "We will cooperate closely with health authorities to take necessary measures."

According to Seoul city, as of midnight on the same day, the number of confirmed cases from cluster infections at department stores is 147 at Hyundai Department Store Trade Center Branch, 7 at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, and 6 at Galleria Apgujeong, totaling 160. This figure only accounts for recent cluster infections. At Hyundai Department Store Trade Center Branch, 102 employees, 25 visitors, and 20 family members and acquaintances tested positive.

Not only department stores but also large supermarkets reported confirmed cases. At Emart Gayang Branch in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, a cluster infection occurred, with 14 people testing positive so far. Seoul city requested voluntary preemptive testing for employees of large retail companies on the 7th.

The industry is making every effort to prevent the spread. When a confirmed case is identified, the store immediately closes, and even after reopening, proactive measures such as QR code check-ins are implemented. Hyundai Department Store Trade Center Branch, which resumed operations the previous day, minimized staff to one-third of the usual number, and all employees in the food hall are undergoing a two-week self-quarantine regardless of their infection status. Replacement staff have been deployed to the food hall stores. Disinfection gates that sanitize the entire body and QR code check-in stations have been installed at 13 customer entrances.

An industry official said, "With the rapid increase in confirmed cases, we are paying extra attention to the safety of employees and customers."

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