Gwangjin-gu Temporarily Allows Single-Use Items in Food Service Establishments

Temporary Permission Granted for All 5,708 Food Service Establishments Including General Restaurants, Snack Bars, and Bakeries in the Area

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is temporarily allowing the use of disposable items in all food service establishments within the district to completely block the possibility of COVID-19 transmission.

Earlier, on the 3rd, the Ministry of Environment announced that for food service businesses located in international airports and ports, KTX, and train stations with frequent domestic and international traffic, where thorough disinfection and cleaning are difficult or when directly requested by customers, the head of the relevant local government may permit temporary use of disposable items.

Seoul City also allowed temporary use of disposable items in food service establishments located in KTX and train stations, but there were no such establishments in Gwangjin-gu.

In response, the district decided to expand this measure at the local government level to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of residents.

The district will temporarily relax the regulations on the use of disposable items in all 5,708 food service establishments in the area, including restaurants and bakeries closely related to residents' daily lives, until the alert level is lifted.

The items include disposable cups, plates, and spoons. Temporary use of disposable items will be allowed when thorough disinfection and cleaning are difficult due to many customers or when directly requested by customers.

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, "This measure was taken in hopes of alleviating residents' anxiety about COVID-19 even a little," and added, "We hope to overcome the crisis well and stabilize the situation by strictly managing hygiene and adhering to COVID-19 prevention guidelines."