Park Neung-hoo: "No Additional Infections at Deokpyeong Logistics Center Following Quarantine Rules"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), emphasized the importance of adhering to quarantine rules by comparing two Coupang logistics centers where COVID-19 cases occurred on the 6th.

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building that day, Deputy Head Park stated, "Unlike the Bucheon logistics center where 152 people were infected, at the Deokpyeong logistics center, although the confirmed patient had contact with about 200 people over two days, there was not a single additional infection."

He explained, "In May at the Bucheon logistics center, many people gathered all at once during commuting and meal times, but in June at the Deokpyeong logistics center, temporal and spatial dispersion was encouraged."

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, at the Deokpyeong logistics center, only half of the shuttle bus capacity was allowed during boarding, and the cafeteria limited the number of people with partitions and zigzag seating arrangements. Workers strictly wore masks and maintained social distancing, and confirmed cases were diagnosed within two days of symptom onset, significantly reducing the number of contacts.

Deputy Head Park said, "We confirmed that when managers and workers properly follow quarantine rules, infection spread can be prevented even in high-risk facilities," and urged, "Local governments should refer to such exemplary cases and guide thorough quarantine management." He also emphasized, "To prepare for infections with unclear transmission routes or asymptomatic infections, 'self-quarantine' is important."