Haenam-gun Achieves Success in Blocking COVID-19 Spread Through Proactive Diagnostic Testing

Published 24 Dec.2021 22:12(KST)

Operation of Temporary Screening Clinics... 16,202 County Residents Undergo Pre-Diagnostic Testing

Haenam-gun operates a mobile screening clinic at the Gunmin Square. ? Asia Economy

[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Jeonnam Haenam-gun has been found to have blocked the early spread of COVID-19 through prompt responses such as proactive diagnostic testing, mainly targeting daycare centers in the area.

According to the county on the 24th, since the first confirmed case at a local bathhouse on the 16th, a total of 23 confirmed cases occurred by the 22nd. In particular, starting from a daycare center in Munnae-myeon on the 19th, seven children from three daycare centers and kindergartens in the area tested positive.

Additionally, there were infection cases involving five bathhouse users and two family members, raising serious concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in the community, especially among unvaccinated children and adolescents.

In response, Haenam-gun achieved significant results in blocking the spread early by promptly operating temporary screening clinics and conducting proactive diagnostic tests through situation assessment meetings to prevent community infection.

From the 21st to the 22nd, a mobile screening clinic was set up at the county citizen square, where 2,365 residents were tested over two days. Including this, a total of 16,202 people were tested from the 16th to the 22nd.

Furthermore, on the 19th and 20th, mobile screening clinics were installed in Munnae-myeon and Hwawon-myeon to conduct full testing of residents. At the same time, proactive diagnostic testing was completed for 4,322 individuals, including children, students, teachers, and staff at six daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary to high schools in the area.

As of the 23rd, no additional related confirmed cases have occurred, and the two confirmed cases on the 23rd were identified as residents from other regions who tested positive in Haenam, indicating that the spread has stopped.

The county advises that since all recent COVID-19 cases were linked to visits to other regions or contact with people from other areas, anyone whose movement overlaps with confirmed cases must get tested within three days regardless of symptoms. Even with mild cold symptoms, residents are urged to get tested at public health center screening clinics before visiting medical institutions or pharmacies.

County Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan stated, “Thanks to the cooperation of all residents in proactive diagnostic testing, we were able to block the spread of COVID-19 early. As the nationwide spread has not yet subsided, we ask everyone to refrain from visiting other regions and strictly follow quarantine guidelines.”