Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Enters Emergency Response for 'Wuhan Pneumonia'... Orders Transportation Workers to Wear Masks

Establishment and Operation of a Comprehensive Task Force within the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Comprehensive Quarantine Measures at Rest Areas and Terminals

Amid the spreading fear of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' passengers from the Hangzhou flight lined up for fever screening at Incheon International Airport on the 28th. / Yeongjongdo - Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched an emergency response to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). It has strengthened quarantine measures at major transportation facilities such as airports and railways, and issued guidelines for workers who frequently come into contact with the public to wear masks.

On the 28th, the Ministry stated, "To prevent the spread of the virus, thorough disinfection activities are being carried out at public transportation facilities and vehicles used by many citizens," adding, "Comprehensive disinfection measures are being implemented at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, highway rest areas, and vehicles."

At airports, sterilization work has been intensified throughout all areas including passenger terminals and boarding gates. Disinfection and quarantine have also been conducted for 8,160 railway cars and 420 railway stations nationwide. Disinfection measures are also underway at 150 terminals and 220 rest areas.

Additionally, nationwide railway station electronic signboards, station and vehicle announcements are being used to inform the public about infectious disease prevention guidelines and behavioral rules. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted through pop-ups and banner advertisements on various reservation websites.

Flight and railway crew members, drivers, quarantine officers, and others who frequently interact with many people have been strongly instructed to wear masks and enhance hygiene management.

The Ministry emphasized, "Hygiene rules such as mask-wearing by flight attendants, currently implemented mainly on Chinese routes, will be expanded to all international routes to thoroughly prevent and manage domestic inflow and secondary infections."

Meanwhile, as the novel coronavirus crisis level was raised from 'caution' to 'alert' the previous day, the Ministry has established and is operating a task force composed of five teams within the Ministry: the General Situation Team, Aviation Team, Railway Team, Public Transport & Cargo Team, and Road Team.