Jongno-gu Offers Up to 1 Million Won Support for Karaoke Rooms and PC Cafes During Closure

Inspection of Karaoke Rooms, PC Rooms, and Religious Facilities with High Risk of Group Infection until April 5... Distribution of Disinfectants and Recommendation to Suspend Operations at Actively Operating Karaoke Rooms and PC Rooms

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong), which is practicing 'social distancing,' is providing closure support funds of up to 1 million KRW to businesses in high-risk group infection facilities and is conducting extensive inspections of karaoke rooms, PC cafes, religious facilities, and more.

The closure support fund payment is in accordance with Seoul City's 'Operation Restriction Measures for High-Risk Group Infection Facilities,' targeting a total of 535 locations in the district, including ▲karaoke rooms ▲PC cafes ▲indoor sports facilities.

The payment amount ranges from a minimum of 300,000 KRW to a maximum of 1 million KRW, and the condition is voluntary closure for at least 3 consecutive days from March 23 (Monday) until the situation ends. However, if the business operates during the closure period, it will be excluded from support.

The application period is until April 2, but it may be extended depending on changes in the social distancing period. Applications can be submitted to the relevant departments such as the Tourism Division, Health City Division, and Public Health Division, or applied online through the district office website.

Additionally, from March 23 to April 5, joint inspection teams composed of Seoul City, the police station, and the district office will conduct on-site inspections of 535 locations such as karaoke rooms and PC cafes that are actually operating. They recommend business suspension, distribute disinfectants and infectious disease prevention guidelines to each business, and take administrative actions against businesses that do not comply with prevention rules.

From the 9th to the 23rd of last month, preventive guidance was conducted for 171 locations within the district, including karaoke rooms and PC cafes used by youth. Hand sanitizers and disinfectants were delivered, the posting of COVID-19 prevention behavior posters was checked, and workers and users were guided to wear masks at all times.

Also, the first round of disinfection was completed from March 14 for businesses wishing to be disinfected, and the second round of additional disinfection is currently underway.

From March 22 to April 5, a total of 240 religious facilities such as churches, temples, and cathedrals will be inspected for compliance with the '7 Infection Prevention Rules,' which include ▲checking for symptoms such as fever before entry ▲wearing masks ▲providing hand sanitizers ▲maintaining at least 1 to 2 meters distance between participants in worship and religious events ▲disinfection and ventilation before and after worship and gatherings ▲prohibition of meal provision during worship and gatherings ▲designation of infection control officers and preparation of attendance lists (for cases where online gatherings are difficult).

They also confirm in advance whether on-site worship is forcibly held and recommend refraining from worship. They notify that the district may exercise claims for quarantine and treatment costs if confirmed cases occur. On-site inspections are conducted accompanied by police officers. If violations are found, immediate correction is requested, and if correction is refused, administrative actions are taken.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “As recent COVID-19 group infection cases have occurred consecutively, we are practicing 'social distancing' to prevent this and recommending a 'temporary pause' to related facilities.” He added, “We will do our best to wisely overcome this national crisis situation together with the central government by expanding testing targets and strengthening quarantine activities.”