'Uriga Asan' SNS Welcoming Campaign for 'Wuhan Residents' "Feel Free to Rest in Asan"

[Photo by Facebook capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] As Korean residents in Wuhan, Hubei, China?the origin of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia)?are undergoing repatriation procedures, the "We are Asan" movement is spreading among the local residents of Asan, Chungnam, where their temporary accommodations have been designated.

On the 31st, the hashtag #WeAreAsan appeared on various social networking services (SNS). This handwritten relay aims to show that many citizens welcome the Wuhan residents, in contrast to some citizens in Asan and Jincheon who are protesting against the establishment of temporary protection facilities for the Wuhan residents.

A netizen who identified themselves as an Asan citizen shared a photo on their SNS holding a sign that read, "Let us come together with wisdom to overcome difficulties," writing, "Let us warmly welcome our residents who must have trembled in fear," and "Please join together to be a great support for the residents coming from Wuhan."

[Photo by Facebook capture]

Additionally, Mr. Kwon, a citizen of Asan, stated on SNS, "Both the Wuhan residents and Asan citizens are all citizens of the Republic of Korea. I hope everyone coming to Asan stays well and returns safely," and added, "Asan citizens should open their hearts widely for those in hardship."

Meanwhile, on the 29th, the government decided to quarantine and accommodate the returning residents from Wuhan, China, at government employee training facilities in Asan, Chungnam, and Jincheon, Chungbuk. However, some residents of Asan and Jincheon are opposing this, citing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, as apartment complexes are densely located just a few hundred meters from the National Human Resources Development Institute.

Currently, 367 Wuhan residents who boarded the first chartered flight sent by the government arrived at Gimpo Airport at 8 a.m. Upon disembarking, they will undergo additional quarantine at a separate gate. Those who show no symptoms during this quarantine will be divided between Jincheon and Asan for a two-week isolation period, while those exhibiting suspicious symptoms will be immediately transferred to nationally designated inpatient treatment beds.