Seocho-gu, Medical Staff, Kind Building Owners, and Warm Supporters Deliver Moving Donations Day After Day...

Due to the shortage of medical staff caused by the spread of COVID-19, local doctors and nurses have rolled up their sleeves... SPC Group, small business owners, and residents continue to offer support and encouragement to overcome COVID-19... Participation in the 'Good Landlord Movement' with rent reductions by half in various places

Seocho-gu Screening Clinic

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] As the COVID-19 crisis alert level was raised to the 'severe stage' and the number of confirmed cases increased, the number of visitors to the testing centers in Seocho-gu (Mayor Cho Eun-hee) has been rising day by day.

Doctors at the public health center have been taking shifts to continuously handle the influx of suspected COVID-19 patients for diagnosis and testing, battling the virus, but accumulated fatigue due to excessive workload and an absolute shortage of personnel have been ongoing issues.

According to statistics on testing center consultations and specimen tests from the Seoul Infectious Disease Management Support Group, Seocho-gu ranks second with a total of 1,233 consultations, following Eunpyeong-gu with 1,346.

In response, local doctors and nurses have readily rolled up their sleeves. From hospitals such as Seoul Seongmo Clinic, Godoil Hospital, Daehang Hospital, Dongbang Seosi Clinic, Wizmi Women's Clinic, Yonsei Mental Health Clinic, Yonsei Bon Eye Clinic, Kim Gap-su Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Clinic, and Gaya Seongmo Orthopedic Clinic, between 1 and up to 8 doctors per institution, totaling 21 doctors from 10 institutions, have united their efforts.

The medical support, which began on February 23, is provided not only during weekdays day and night but also during weekends, with doctors suspending their own hospital duties to come to the public health center and offer passionate care.

The director of Godoil Hospital (President of Seocho-gu Medical Association) said, “I heard that the medical staff at Seocho-gu Public Health Center have been facing many difficulties as confirmed COVID-19 cases have recently increased,” adding, “Although as a doctor I had vague fears about infection, we united as local medical professionals with the mindset that we take care of our own families.”

He also said, “Although the overwhelming number of tests makes for hectic times, it is very meaningful and rewarding,” and expressed plans to continue providing medical support steadily.

Nurses from Seoul Children's Hospital, Yonsei Sarang Hospital, and Daehang Hospital, totaling eight, are also participating in medical support.

Hospitals and the Korean Medicine Association that could not participate have sent health supplies to support the exhausted medical staff at the testing centers who are fighting on the front lines against COVID-19. One hospital in Seocho-dong sent vitamins, and the Seocho-gu Korean Medicine Association sent 400 Ssanghwatang herbal tonics along with a message of encouragement saying, “Thank you for your hard work in quarantine.”

Support and encouragement are also coming from companies and residents. The SPC Happy Foundation, a social contribution foundation of SPC Group located in the area, has been regularly donating about 2,000 pieces of bread throughout March to provide snacks for the fatigued workers.

Additionally, Eco CNT, a small business with three employees located in Umyeon-dong, donated 100 protective hoods, wanting to contribute even a small help during difficult times. These will be used during quarantine activities.

Residents’ support continues as well. An anonymous resident sent 200 bottles of water, Kim OO, former chairman of the Banpo-dong Residents’ Autonomy Committee, sent 600 cartons of milk, and Han OO, director of Seocho Central Saemaeul Geumgo, sent bread and juice worth about 2 million KRW to encourage the hardworking medical staff and district employees.

Warm messages of gratitude and encouragement praising the staff’s hard work are also being posted on the district’s website. A resident who lived in Seocho-gu for a long time but moved to another district, yet whose child’s school and workplace remain in Seocho-gu, said, “The COVID-19 alert messages are so accurate and prompt that I am amazed. I salute the administrative capabilities of Seocho-gu public officials.”

Landlords across the area are participating in the ‘Good Landlord Movement’ to support local self-employed business owners who are experiencing economic difficulties due to the novel coronavirus.

Beverages delivered by Gu Min (Chairman of Seocho Central Saemaeul Geumgo)

A ramen restaurant in Bangbae-dong, as the economy gradually worsened due to COVID-19, had its landlord voluntarily reduce the rent by more than half, and they united in spirit to overcome the situation together.

Another restaurant in Bangbae-dong is similar. To support self-employed business owners struggling with more than half the usual number of customers, the landlord, along with other tenants in the building, lowered the commercial rent.

Mayor Cho Eun-hee said, “We can overcome COVID-19 if we unite our hearts. Based on the warm consideration of Seocho-gu residents who think of everyone before themselves, the district will also continue to do its utmost moving forward.”