[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 29th, the Democratic Party of Korea distributed guidelines to prospective candidates on precautions to take during election campaigns to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).
The Democratic Party advised, "Handshakes can transmit infectious diseases and are very dangerous, so exchange warm eye contact first rather than handshakes," and "Explain to voters who extend their handshakes that handshakes are being refrained from to prevent infection."
The Democratic Party recommended wearing masks during election campaigns, refraining from campaigning in multi-use facilities and densely populated areas, and immediately stopping campaigning and visiting clinics if respiratory symptoms such as coughing occur.
The Democratic Party urged candidates to keep hand sanitizers readily available at their offices and to use hand sanitizer frequently to maintain cleanliness. They also requested thorough handwashing with soap and adherence to 'cough etiquette' to avoid contact with others when coughing.
The Democratic Party posted a link to infection prevention guidelines produced by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on social networking services (SNS) and recommended providing infection prevention guidelines together when visiting village halls and senior centers, sending text messages, or campaigning using placards.
The Democratic Party guided members to reduce or postpone events such as party member gatherings, election office and sponsor office openings, or election countermeasure committee launch ceremonies until the novel coronavirus situation is resolved.
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