[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in South Korea approaches 3,000, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases and the Pan-Academic COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee have urged the public to refrain from going out and to adhere to hygiene guidelines. They appealed to the government to devise measures to limit group events and gatherings, and emphasized the need for support for vulnerable groups severely affected by COVID-19 as well as for local small business owners.
On the 29th, the Pan-Academic COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee issued an urgent statement, stressing that "the next two weeks are critical" and that "to minimize health damage to local residents and severely ill confirmed patients with limited medical resources, it is essential to delay the speed of community spread of the virus as much as possible." They added, "Stronger efforts to reduce social contact are necessary."
◇ The following is the statement from the Pan-Academic COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee
First, the government should promptly implement active measures that allow not only public institutions but also private companies to participate in minimizing human contact through telecommuting, flexible working hours, minimizing face-to-face services, and restricting group events and gatherings.
Second, the government should urgently communicate with major organizations leading our society in healthcare, politics, economy, religion, culture, sports, and labor sectors to reach a social consensus on COVID-19 prevention.
Third, the government should assess vulnerable groups susceptible to COVID-19 infection such as the elderly, chronic patients, and residents of various facilities, as well as low-income groups struggling due to COVID-19, and prioritize providing them with necessary protective supplies like masks and emergency living support. Additionally, special support measures should be taken for local small business owners who are economically hit hard by the nationwide spread of COVID-19.
Fourth, the government should secure medical and public facilities considering both long-term and large-scale outbreaks of COVID-19, and establish plans for the supply of healthcare materials to maintain the regional healthcare system.
Fifth, the central government and local governments should actively support the policies of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and devise the best support measures to ensure the safety and morale of medical staff.
We ask the public for cooperation.
First, please refrain from all possible gatherings and outings and minimize contact with others. Maintain appropriate physical activity and exercise, and a balanced and hygienic diet while staying indoors. Frequently ventilate indoor spaces.
Second, wash your hands often with soap or use hand sanitizer. Since infection can occur through hands, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Disinfect objects frequently touched by hands with disinfectants.
Third, if you have cold symptoms, rest at home for 3-4 days while monitoring your condition before seeking medical care. Especially when visiting a hospital for respiratory symptoms, please visit designated safe hospitals. If you have chronic diseases and regularly take medication, consult by phone before visiting your usual medical institution. Family members may pick up medication on your behalf.
Fourth, everyone is sensitive and going through a difficult time due to COVID-19. Please encourage and support each other and unite to overcome this period together. Protecting individual health is the cornerstone of protecting our society’s health.
Fifth, vague fears, rumors, misinformation about COVID-19, and stigma and discrimination against specific groups hinder swift and effective quarantine responses. To prevent further transmission and alleviate community concerns, please strengthen mutual trust and solidarity among local residents.
Finally, please actively follow and support the measures of medical staff and quarantine authorities who are dedicating their utmost efforts to COVID-19 treatment and prevention. Let us calmly unite all social capabilities and overcome this difficulty together.
Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, Korean Society of Infection Control Nurses, Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Korean Society for Preventive Medicine, Korean Society of Emergency Medicine, Korean Society for Healthcare-associated Infection Control and Prevention, Korean Society for Clinical Microbiology, Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine, Korean Society of Antimicrobial Therapy, Korean Society of Epidemiology
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