Gurye-gun Raises COVID-19 Crisis Alert to 'Severe' Level, Sansuyu Festival Canceled

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yuk Miseok] As the COVID-19 crisis alert level was raised to the 'serious' stage, Gurye-gun urgently convened the festival promotion committee and decided to cancel the '21st Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival' entirely.

According to Gurye-gun on the 24th, the county had planned to hold the festival as scheduled on the 17th in accordance with government policy to revitalize the local economy.

However, as the COVID-19 infection spread rapidly and the government raised the infectious disease crisis alert to the highest level, 'serious,' the decision was made to suppress inflow into the region.

Jo Namhun, chairman of the festival promotion committee, said, "Although the festival has been canceled, we will make every effort to implement quarantine measures so that tourists can safely visit the area during the blooming seasons of Sansuyu flowers and cherry blossoms."

He added, "We will strictly crack down on night markets and street vendors where many tourists may gather."

Since January 24, in response to COVID-19, Gurye-gun secured 127,000 masks and distributed 92,000 to public institutions and residents.

They also secured 5,900 hand sanitizers and 236 disinfectants, distributing them mainly to multi-use facilities, and purchased three infrared thermal cameras, which are being operated at places such as the public bus terminal.

On the 7th, the county requested public institutions and residents to refrain from various events, and on the 21st, asked 116 religious organizations in the area not to hold religious events or gatherings.

On the 24th, senior centers and village halls were closed, and meetings, events, and education involving residents were postponed indefinitely. They distributed 171 manual disinfectant sprayers to villages to encourage self-disinfection. From the 25th, all sports facilities, including swimming pools and gyms, will be closed.

Kim Sunho, mayor of Gurye-gun, said, "We will implement all possible quarantine measures to ensure the safety of all residents from COVID-19." He urged, "We ask residents and tourists to strictly follow personal hygiene rules such as handwashing and cough etiquette."

He added, "As the contraction of the local economy is inevitable, we will prepare a supplementary budget and promptly execute related funds. We will also do our best to stimulate local consumption, including at the Gurye 5-day Market."