Why Did Yudonggyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, Brief on COVID-19 Case Status and Response Measures?

Briefing on COVID-19 at Mapo-gu Office Conference Room on the 24th... Urging Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention Rules and Personal Hygiene for Residents' Safety

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) held a briefing on COVID-19 on the 24th at the Mapo-gu Office conference room following the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's escalation of the COVID-19 crisis alert to the 'Severe' level.

During the briefing, conducted to prevent the community spread of COVID-19 and to alleviate residents' anxiety, Mayor Yoo first expressed his apologies to the residents regarding the occurrence of confirmed cases within Mapo-gu despite the various efforts of residents and staff.

He then proceeded to provide updates on the status of confirmed COVID-19 cases and the measures being implemented by the district.

First, he stated that the confirmed case on the 24th residing in Mapo-gu is the son of a couple who were confirmed positive after visiting Suwon from Daegu for their daughter's housewarming. The confirmed individual is currently hospitalized in an isolation hospital in Suwon, and since contact with the confirmed parents, he has not stayed in Mapo-gu, so there are no local movement paths within the district.

Regarding patient number 111, a resident of Daegu who was confirmed positive at the Mapo-gu Public Health Center on the 20th, the district immediately notified the confirmed individual of the positive test result received that evening. After reviewing CCTV footage at the health center, those who had contact with the confirmed patient are under self-quarantine, and emergency disinfection of the health center has been completed.

Following the emergency disinfection, Mapo-gu suspended health center operations from the 21st to the 23rd and conducted continuous building disinfection to prepare for any possible situations.

According to the briefing, to identify suspected COVID-19 patients and conduct rapid testing to prevent community spread, the district continues to operate a 24-hour screening clinic in front of the Mapo-gu Public Health Center. Additionally, disinfection efforts are ongoing to cover blind spots in the district, including childcare centers, senior centers, welfare facilities mainly used by vulnerable groups, multi-use facilities, traditional markets, as well as guardrails at subway station entrances and benches at bus stops.

Furthermore, in preparation for the arrival of Chinese international students ahead of the new semester, the district held multiple strategy meetings with Sogang University and Hongik University. They have formed the 'Mapo-gu Joint Response Team for Chinese International Students' and are promoting the installation of screening clinics within universities to establish a thorough response system for Chinese international students entering the country.

On the 23rd and 24th, the district also completed disinfection measures at five Shincheonji Church of Jesus affiliated facilities identified within the area.

Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun of Mapo-gu stated, “We will continue to share relevant information with residents through briefings in the event of any emergency related to COVID-19 and take proactive measures to ensure that there are no gaps in the health and safety of our residents. The district will do its utmost to make Mapo a safe city.”