51 Confirmed Cases in Gwangju from June 27 to July 2
As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has sharply increased in Gwangju, intensive care unit beds have reached full capacity. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has sharply increased in Gwangju, intensive care unit beds have reached full capacity.
The government plans to jointly utilize beds in the Honam region to resolve the shortage of 41 beds and is also considering transferring patients to other regions if the shortage continues.
Kim Kang-rip, the first chief coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at the Government Sejong Complex on the 3rd, "As of the 1st, the bed occupancy rate at Gwangju's infectious disease dedicated hospitals is 81.8%, and the occupancy rate for severe patient beds is 100%, indicating full capacity. We are operating a joint response system for beds in the Honam region, and if beds in Honam are insufficient, we are also exploring transferring patients to beds in other regions."
The government secured 41 beds in Jeonnam and Jeonbuk through the joint response system for beds in the Honam region.
Additionally, to treat mild patients, the government plans to address bed shortages by utilizing the Central region and International No.1 Living Treatment Center (Cheonan Ujeong Public Officials Training Institute).
As confirmed cases increase, the government has dispatched one immediate response team (9 members) to Gwangju to support epidemiological investigations and plans to provide additional personnel such as doctors and nurses.
Previously, from the 27th of last month to the 2nd of this month, a total of 51 confirmed cases emerged in Gwangju, centered around Gwangnyeoksa Temple, Geumyang Officetel, and a Jeju travelers' gathering.
In response, Gwangju City raised social distancing to Level 2 starting from the 1st. Consequently, all gatherings and events with more than 50 people indoors and more than 100 people outdoors were completely banned. Restrictions on gatherings were also imposed on wedding halls and funeral homes.
Gwangju City is implementing suspension of operations at 34 public facilities including the Gwangju Museum of Art and Biennale Exhibition Hall, as well as gathering restrictions on 3,365 high-risk facilities such as hunting pubs and emotional bars, and gathering bans on 643 door-to-door sales companies.
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