Alberto on Italian News Appearance: "What Korea Is Doing Well Is..."

In July 2018, broadcaster Alberto Mondi attended the opening ceremony of the 22nd Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Alberto Mondi, a broadcaster from Italy, praised the South Korean government's response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on Italian local news.

On the 21st, Italian local media Rai News 24 covered South Korea's COVID-19 response system as the main topic.

The broadcast showed scenes of South Korea's screening clinics and people working while wearing masks and protective suits.

Appearing as an interviewee on the broadcast, Alberto spoke via video call with the local media, saying, "At the end of February, many people were infected in South Korea. Recently, the situation has improved a lot, and I also sometimes go out wearing a mask," sharing the current situation in South Korea.

Alberto continued, "There are thermometers to check temperatures wherever you go, such as shopping malls or hotels. Hand sanitizers are provided in elevators, public institutions, and anyone can use them."

He also explained South Korea's map that notifies the movement paths of infected individuals, stating that if many people’s paths overlap or if someone has come into contact with an infected person, all those who met that person are tested.

Alberto mentioned the globally recognized drive-through testing centers as well. He said, "One of the systems that is working very well in South Korea is the drive-through. When a driver comes to a designated place, the diagnostic test is conducted inside the car. From 100 to 1,000 people can get tested for free."

He added, "There is no risk of transmitting the virus to others, and the effort and time needed to disinfect the inside are reduced. Test results are delivered via text message the next day," praising South Korea's response by saying, "Thanks to this innovative method, many people were able to get tested and feel reassured."

Meanwhile, Alberto became known through JTBC’s 'Non-Summit' and appeared on MBC Every1’s 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?', KBS JOY’s 'Ask Us Anything Season 2', among others.