Student Infections Reported in Daejeon... City to Conduct Comprehensive Testing at Schools with Confirmed Cases

Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jung is giving a briefing on COVID-19 at Daejeon City Hall on the 1st. Photo by Daejeon City

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Daejeon City will conduct comprehensive testing for all students and teachers at Cheondong Elementary School in Dong-gu.

On the 1st, Mayor Heo Tae-jeong of Daejeon stated in a briefing, “Since a student in the Daejeon area has been confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), we will focus on conducting rapid testing to prevent further spread of COVID-19.”

First, the city plans to conduct COVID-19 diagnostic tests for all 5th-grade students at Cheondong Elementary School, where the confirmed student attends, starting at 9:30 a.m. on the same day, followed by additional testing for all students and teachers within the school.

To this end, the city is also considering installing a mobile screening clinic at the Cheondong Elementary School playground if necessary.

Mayor Heo said, “With the cooperation of the ROK Armed Forces Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Command on the 1st, we will conduct thorough disinfection of the Dong-gu areas including Cheondong and Gaodong,” and added, “We urge citizens who experience any suspicious symptoms in these areas to immediately visit screening clinics for testing.”

Regarding recent controversies over the disclosure of confirmed patients’ movement paths, he explained, “Although there is debate about disclosing movement paths, we ask for your understanding as the city is following the revised government guidelines. Starting today, personal identifying information will not be disclosed nationwide, and movement paths will be released in the form of location lists rather than individual time-based routes.”

Meanwhile, following the occurrence of confirmed student cases in the region, the city has issued administrative orders to prohibit gatherings at 91 academies and private tutoring centers located in Hyodong, Cheondong, and Gaodong in Dong-gu, as well as 16 sports training centers. These administrative measures will remain in effect until the 5th, during the social distancing period.