Bucheon-si Strengthens 'Social Distancing'... Religious Gatherings Advised to Refrain, Public Libraries and Sports Facilities Closed

The Number of Self-Quarantined Individuals Reaches 1,847, Exceeding That of Metropolitan Governments

Bucheon City Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Bucheon City in Gyeonggi Province is strengthening 'social distancing' measures to block the local spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and protect the health and safety of its citizens.

According to Bucheon City on the 3rd, the number of people under self-quarantine managed by the city is currently 1,847, which is more than the number of quarantined individuals in metropolitan local governments excluding Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. In response, the city decided to strengthen social distancing measures last week, considering the mass outbreak related to the Coupang Bucheon logistics center and the increasing trend of confirmed cases in the metropolitan area.

The city is taking strict measures against the recent increase in confirmed cases through religious small group activities by visiting churches where confirmed cases occurred to verify facility closures and continuously recommending the practice of social distancing.

Thirty-nine temples in the region also complied with social distancing and minimized the Buddha’s Birthday ceremonies, while 22 cathedrals have suspended Mass for two weeks following the recommendation of the diocesan bishop.

Protestant churches are also conducting small-scale worship services in compliance with quarantine rules as part of social distancing. In particular, small churches holding about 40 small gatherings are strongly urged to refrain from small group meetings.

After discussions with the Bucheon Office of Education, the city decided to continue remote classes for kindergarten, special schools, and elementary, middle, and high school students until the 10th, prioritizing students' health and safety. However, 12th-grade students will continue attending school as before.

The city hall’s entry method has also shifted from voluntary quarantine control to a more strengthened selective entry control until the COVID-19 situation ends. All entrants must undergo temperature checks and wear masks, and civil servants without ID badges and visitors must fill out a visit log.

Public sports facilities will also suspend operations until the 14th. Additionally, all operators of registered sports facilities such as billiard halls, fitness centers, and sports dojos have been re-informed of quarantine rules to ensure compliance.

Public libraries and public/private small libraries will also suspend operations until the 14th. Library visit loans, interlibrary loans, Book Sea, and Duruduru services will be unavailable. However, e-books, audiobooks, and smart libraries (Songnae Station, Yeokgok Station) can be used normally through non-face-to-face services.

The due date for returning borrowed books will be automatically extended until the 30th of this month, and returns can be made through external return boxes.

Mayor Jang Deokcheon of Bucheon said, "As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases increases, we are making every effort to ensure the safety of citizens," and urged, "Citizens should also strictly follow the behavioral guidelines according to the transition to social distancing."