Yeonggwang-gun Holds Meeting on COVID-19 Infection Response and Foreigners' Quarantine Measures

[Yeonggwang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jeonseong] Yeonggwang County (Governor Kim Junsung) announced on the 3rd that on the 30th of last month, a countermeasure meeting was held presided over by Vice Governor Kim Jang-o to proactively respond to the nationwide surge in foreign COVID-19 infections following the Chuseok holiday period.

At this countermeasure meeting, the current status of quarantine management for foreign workers in the manufacturing, agriculture and livestock, fisheries, construction, and service sectors was reviewed. Discussions were held on ways to increase the testing rate and vaccination rate in relation to foreign nationals avoiding diagnostic tests and the low vaccination rate.

As a result, it was decided to continuously conduct investigations on compliance with the administrative order mandating diagnostic testing at workplaces employing foreigners and to carry out quarantine status inspections. Additionally, all possible administrative efforts will be focused on identifying quarantine blind spots for foreigners and encouraging voluntary participation.

Using notices produced in various foreign languages, efforts will be made to encourage foreign nationals to participate in diagnostic testing and vaccinations. Cooperation with related organizations will be strengthened to actively promote that even unregistered foreigners who undergo testing or vaccination will not have their personal information reported to immigration authorities, nor will they face any disadvantages such as deportation.

As of the end of September, among 1,565 registered and residence-reported foreigners in the county, 1,273 (81.3%) have received the first dose, and 575 (36.7%) have completed vaccination. Additionally, 278 unregistered foreigners, including illegal residents, have completed vaccination.

Vice Governor Kim Jang-o stated, “Regardless of registration status, all foreigners can receive diagnostic testing and vaccinations equally without any disadvantages, just like Korean nationals,” and urged, “Foreigners are an important part of the local community, so please actively participate in our county’s quarantine management to block infection transmission.”

Yeonggwang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jeonseong leejs7879@asiae.co.kr

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