Eunpyeong-gu Establishes Emergency Quarantine and Medical System to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Shincheonji Religious Facility Quarantine

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] On the 21st, a patient who visited the screening clinic at Catholic University Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital in Eunpyeong-gu was confirmed to have COVID-19. On the 22nd, additional confirmed cases among inpatients at the same hospital occurred. In response, Eunpyeong-gu is making every effort to prevent the spread within the community and to alleviate residents' anxiety.

First, anticipating a surge in residents visiting screening clinics following the news of confirmed cases at local medical facilities, Eunpyeong-gu immediately established and operated an additional screening clinic building within the Eunpyeong-gu Public Health Center on the 21st, in addition to the existing screening clinic. To prevent possible infections and to accommodate residents waiting for tests in cold weather, eight individual waiting tents and three portable restrooms were also installed.

In fact, the number of visitors, which had been only 5 to 6 per day before the 21st, exceeded 100 on that day alone.

For chronic patients vulnerable to infectious diseases, those who have visited medical institutions (such as their regular clinics) can temporarily receive telephone or proxy (guardian) prescriptions from those institutions. Residents with mild cold symptoms (body aches, cough, sore throat) can receive treatment at the Bulgwang branch of the Eunpyeong-gu Public Health Center (☎351-8652). Patients with fever (37.5°C or higher) or respiratory symptoms are directed to use screening clinics within Eunpyeong-gu (Eunpyeong-gu Public Health Center, Seoul Metropolitan Seobuk Hospital).

Among the 207 people who had contact with the initial confirmed patient at Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, 71 inpatients are being managed by the hospital, and 136 discharged patients' lists have been notified to the health centers in their respective residential areas. Of these, 55 residents of Eunpyeong-gu are under 14-day self-quarantine from the date of contact with the confirmed patient, with one or two checks for the presence of fever or respiratory symptoms.

Additionally, the district office operates a 'Joint Management Task Force' where 134 team leaders monitor 260 individuals under active surveillance or self-quarantine on a one-on-one basis.

To prevent transmission among children, the elderly, and in multi-use facilities, disinfection has been completed at 70 senior centers, 73 daycare centers, 24 elderly welfare facilities, 10 facilities for the disabled, 6 child welfare facilities, 4 homeless shelters, 19 subway stations, and 55 other facilities. On the 21st, emergency disinfection was conducted on Line 3 subway stations (Nokbeon, Bulgwang, Yeonsinnae, Gupabal stations).

Since the 5th, community center programs have been suspended. Educational facilities (5 locations from February 8), sports facilities (8 locations from February 8), cultural facilities (13 locations from February 10), elderly leisure facilities (164 locations from February 10), and daycare centers (42 locations from February 21) have temporarily closed until the 29th of this month. From the 24th, veterans' halls, Eunpyeong Food Bank, social welfare centers (3 locations), and facilities for the disabled (5 locations) are also scheduled to close.

Screening Clinic Exterior View

Due to the partial closure of the emergency room and outpatient clinics at Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, where the second confirmed case occurred, Eunpyeong-gu has established a cooperative system with Seoul municipal and private hospitals to prepare for an increase in contacts from additional confirmed cases, ensuring no disruption in patient care.