Gangdong-gu Activates 24-Hour Emergency Quarantine System for Novel Coronavirus

Held 'Emergency Countermeasure Meeting' to Prevent Spread of Novel Coronavirus... Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters · Operation of Screening Clinics, Promotion of Preventive Measures... Full Effort in Infectious Disease Response

Gangdong-gu held an emergency countermeasure meeting on the 28th in the large auditorium on the 5th floor of the district office, attended by all department heads, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangdong-gu (District Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) has held an emergency countermeasure meeting to prepare for the spread of the novel coronavirus and has activated a 24-hour emergency quarantine system to take proactive preemptive measures.

On the 27th, the fourth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus occurred in Korea, raising concerns about the spread of the infectious disease as the crisis alert level was elevated from "caution" to "warning."

In response, Gangdong-gu formed a Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters led by the district mayor to alleviate residents' anxiety and prevent the spread of infection. An infectious disease response epidemiological investigation team was organized to operate a 24-hour emergency system. Since the 20th, a screening clinic has been operating at the public health center for suspected patients, and efforts are being made to prevent infection routes in cooperation with local hospitals.

Additionally, the district is strengthening publicity on preventive behavioral guidelines for the novel coronavirus infection using the district website, official SNS (social network services), and outdoor electronic billboards.

Residents are urged to practice personal hygiene and health management, including washing hands for more than 30 seconds, wearing masks, and observing proper coughing etiquette. Those who develop fever or respiratory symptoms within 14 days after visiting Hubei Province or other parts of China are advised to report to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention call center (☎1339) or the public health center (☎3425-6713~5) and to inform medical staff of their travel history to China when visiting medical institutions.

Furthermore, when visiting China, residents are requested to avoid contact with animals including poultry, refrain from visiting local markets or medical institutions with infection risks, and avoid contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath.

The district plans to quickly secure preventive supplies such as masks and hand sanitizers and provide them to senior citizen centers and social welfare facilities frequently used by vulnerable groups.

Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, “We will establish thorough measures to prevent the novel coronavirus from entering the local community and respond swiftly. We will do everything possible at the local government level to protect our residents.” He added, “Since there is no vaccine or treatment yet, prevention is the best measure, so we ask for the active cooperation of all residents.”