Naju-si, Voluntary Closure of Bathhouses... Impact of COVID-19 Spread

Published 10 Jan.2022 15:14(KST)

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yuk-bong] Naju City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 10th that 10 local bathhouses will be closed for one week from the 10th to the 16th to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Since the beginning of this month, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Naju area is 80 (as of the 10th), of which 26 cases originated from bathhouses.

The public health center held an emergency meeting with bathhouse owners recently to discuss prevention measures and secured their cooperation for voluntary closure.

The public health center plans to provide compensation of 1 million KRW per business for those participating in the one-week voluntary closure.

A public health center official said, “We appreciate the decision of the business owners who joined this difficult closure decision,” and added, “As the spread of COVID-19 is intensifying more than ever, we will do our utmost to establish a thorough quarantine network.”

With the number of confirmed cases remaining in double digits for four consecutive days, the city will also strengthen access control to government office buildings.

From today until the spread subsides, except during commuting hours, the main entrances of the annex building and the construction department passage doors will be restricted.

Visitors to the main government office will have their vaccination status checked upon entry, and unvaccinated individuals will be encouraged to conduct their business in the first-floor lobby space rather than visiting departments directly.

A city official stated, “As the number of confirmed cases is increasing mainly in sauna facilities, kindergartens, elementary schools, and welfare facilities, we will do our best to enforce stricter quarantine management,” and added, “We ask everyone to actively cooperate with personal hygiene management and government and local government quarantine guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves, their families, neighbors, and the local community.”