Announcement on the Release from Isolation of All Confirmed Cases and Contacts
Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop is reporting the situation on the 20th regarding the release from quarantine of all COVID-19 confirmed cases and contacts, together with Kim Sam-ho, Gwangsan District Mayor (left), and Lee Pyeong-hyung, Director of Welfare and Health Bureau (right). Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced on the 20th that although all COVID-19 confirmed patients in the Gwangju area have recovered and been discharged and all contacts have been released from quarantine, considering the ongoing spread of the coronavirus domestically and internationally, the Gwangju Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and other response systems will be maintained to ensure thorough preparedness.
Mayor Lee issued a statement on the same day regarding the ‘release from quarantine of all COVID-19 confirmed patients and contacts.’
First, the mayor stated, “Thanks to the cooperation of the citizens, confirmed patients number 16, 18, and 22 have all been declared fully recovered and discharged in good health, and 60 people who were quarantined at the 21st Century Hospital and the Fire Academy dormitory have returned to their daily lives today. In total, all 458 contacts have been released from quarantine,” adding, “With this, Gwangju has been restored to a ‘clean Gwangju’ state with no confirmed patients or contacts.”
However, Mayor Lee emphasized, “As a large number of new confirmed cases continue to occur domestically and Chinese international students are steadily arriving, we cannot let our guard down. We will continue to maintain the Gwangju Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters system, led by the mayor as the head, and build a more thorough local quarantine network to do our utmost to protect the lives and safety of our citizens.”
He also added, “The COVID-19 call center will continue to operate to resolve citizens’ concerns and prevent fake news. In preparation for any possible situation, we will strengthen related medical facilities and equipment such as negative pressure rooms and isolation facilities through close consultation with health authorities.”
In particular, he urged, “Citizens should continue to strictly follow preventive measures such as wearing masks and washing hands as they have done so far. Even if you have not traveled abroad, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, or difficulty breathing, please do not visit hospitals directly. Instead, contact the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency consultation center at 1339 and your local health center for consultation, then visit a screening clinic for guidance.”
Mayor Lee said, “Through this COVID-19 crisis, we have once again experienced the great strength of Gwangju. The spirit of sharing and solidarity in Gwangju is becoming the power to overcome COVID-19,” and expressed, “I sincerely respect and thank the medical staff, volunteers, and public officials who have devoted themselves selflessly on-site day and night, including holidays, for more than two weeks.”
Furthermore, he appealed, “From large corporations such as Kia Motors’ factory to small business owners and self-employed individuals, the aftermath of the COVID-19 fear remains deeply. While not lowering our guard, I ask you to overcome excessive anxiety and fear and engage in normal economic activities and daily life.”
The mayor emphasized, “Our Gwangju has a special DNA that unites and strengthens solidarity even more in times of crisis,” and said, “Now is the time to strongly demonstrate that power.”
He also expressed, “We send heartfelt condolences and support to the citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk, who are currently experiencing greater pain and difficulties than any other region,” and stated, “We will generously support and strengthen the Moonlight Alliance brother cities.”
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