Gangbuk-gu Operates New Coronavirus Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters 24 Hours

Maintain 24-Hour Emergency System Until Situation Ends, Operate Gangbuk-gu Call Center...Distribute Preventive Rule Posters and Hand Sanitizers at Multi-Use Facilities, Strengthen Promotion on Website

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) has strengthened its existing 'Emergency Quarantine Countermeasures Team' to the 'Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' starting from the 29th, following the upgrade of the novel coronavirus infection crisis alert from caution to warning.

On the 28th, the district held an emergency countermeasure meeting on the novel coronavirus infection chaired by the mayor. Although no confirmed cases have occurred in the area yet, they discussed ▲intensive monitoring to prevent local spread ▲establishing a rapid response system in case of patient occurrence ▲securing and inspecting emergency supplies such as masks and hand sanitizers ▲and forming the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.

The Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is composed of nine teams, including the medical quarantine team, led by the mayor as the head. The headquarters maintains a 24-hour emergency contact system and conducts 14-day monitoring of active surveillance subjects residing in Gangbuk-gu through one-to-one matching from the last contact date, preparing for any emergency situation.

The district is also strengthening the operation of screening clinics. First, residents' consultations regarding infection diagnosis and inquiries are promptly handled through the Gangbuk-gu Call Center (☎901-7686, 7688).

Additionally, residents with fever symptoms detected by the thermal imaging camera installed at the health center entrance are immediately guided to the screening clinic inside the infection control room on the first floor of the health center. In the clinic, if a suspected patient is identified, specimen collection, epidemiological investigation, and transfer to nationally designated or regional base hospitals are conducted.

Moreover, promotional materials containing 'Infectious Disease Prevention Action Guidelines' and hand sanitizers have been attached and distributed at multi-use facilities such as the district office and community service centers. The district is also enhancing publicity on infection symptoms, handwashing, mask-wearing, and preventive measures through the district office website, advising residents with respiratory symptoms to report to the Gangbuk-gu Health Center or the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Call Center (☎1339).

Mayor Park Kyum-soo of Gangbuk-gu said, “Preemptive response is most important for infectious diseases like the novel coronavirus,” and added, “We will mobilize all administrative power, including operating the 24-hour Emergency Quarantine Countermeasures Headquarters, to respond swiftly to prevent the inflow and spread within the region.”