German Media: "South Korea's COVID-19 Response Shows High Transparency"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] German media praised the South Korean government for providing detailed information in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), highly valuing its 'transparency.'

Spiegel Online reported from Seoul on the 29th of last month with the headline "COVID-19, South Korea's Strategy is Resolute Transparency," stating that COVID-19 is rapidly spreading within South Korea and related alert messages are sent to smartphones almost daily.

Spiegel also noted that the South Korean government sends warning messages about the COVID-19 situation via smartphones, describing the content as "extremely detailed," and reported that after criticism of poor communication during the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak five years ago, the government has focused on securing transparency.

Spiegel introduced a website in South Korea that provides information on the movement paths of confirmed COVID-19 patients. It also highlighted that several local governments operate 'drive-through' testing centers where people can receive diagnostic tests while remaining in their vehicles for rapid COVID-19 testing.

Spiegel emphasized, "In addition to providing patients with high-quality medical services, the South Korean government focuses on thorough transparency," adding, "This approach can offer important clues about the new virus to medical professionals worldwide."

It further stated, "From the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the South Korean government has recorded the places and times visited by confirmed patients very accurately," noting, "In the early stages of the outbreak, when the number of confirmed cases was low, this was manageable, but in recent weeks, the number of confirmed cases has increased sharply."

However, Spiegel pointed out, "The comprehensive disclosure of information as seen in South Korea is not permitted under the data protection laws of all countries."