Jongno-gu Restricts Gatherings in Key Areas to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Considering the high influx of daytime population from outside areas in the city center and the increase in secondary transmission cases of infectious diseases... Restrictions on gatherings will be imposed on roads and sidewalks around Jongno 1~6-ga, Daehak-ro area, and Maronie Park... The period is from May 26 until the infectious disease crisis alert is lifted... Violators, including organizers and participants, face fines up to 3 million KRW.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) will restrict rallies and demonstrations in major areas within the district starting from the 26th to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The targeted areas include ▲ roads and sidewalks around Jongno 1-ga to Jongno 6-ga ▲ Daehak-ro area (from Ewha Intersection to Hyehwa Rotary, Marronnier Park and surrounding roads and sidewalks) ▲ roads and sidewalks around Ujeongguk-ro to Anguk-dong Rotary ▲ roads and sidewalks around the intersection from in front of Jongno-gu Office to the entrance of Jongno-gu Office ▲ roads and sidewalks around the intersection from in front of Jongno-gu Office to in front of Jogyesa Temple ▲ and other locations announced through the Jongno-gu website.

The restriction period starts from May 26, 2020, and lasts until the infectious disease crisis alert level of "serious" is lifted.

According to Article 80, Clause 7 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, organizers and participants who violate this restriction may be subject to a fine of up to 3 million KRW.

This rally restriction is a preemptive measure considering the regional characteristics of Jongno, which is located in the city center.

It takes into account the high influx of daytime population from outside areas, the high proportion of elderly population who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, and the high possibility of spreading outside the district if confirmed cases occur within the area.

Additionally, this restriction is implemented to prepare for the current COVID-19 spread trends, the increase in secondary transmission cases, and the potential resurgence of infections this fall.

Furthermore, due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, the district is conducting regular on-site inspections targeting religious facilities, indoor sports facilities, PC rooms, and karaoke rooms within the district to protect residents physically and psychologically.

Also, for overseas entrants, a dedicated public official is assigned for one-on-one monitoring from the day after entry until midnight of the 14th day, and emergency transportation support is provided from the airport.

For about one thousand legally low-income students in the district, online learning devices have been provided, and from May 14 to 21, disinfection of internal facilities in 27 schools within the district was conducted with the cooperation of military units. For vulnerable groups such as residents of small rooms and homeless people on the streets, hand sanitizers and masks are supplied, and fever checks are conducted to ensure that all residents can live in a healthy and safe environment.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “To prevent the spread of infection amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation, we will restrict rallies in the city center and respond strictly to any violations.” He added, “Until the day the chaos caused by COVID-19 ends, we will focus all administrative efforts on residents’ health and safety centered on the Jongno-gu Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and spare no effort at the community level.”