Operation of On-Site Situation Response Team and Joint Inspection of High-Risk Facilities for 7 Days from October 26 to November 1
[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] "Please refrain from visiting Itaewon on Halloween Day"
Yongsan-gu (District Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) is implementing special quarantine measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) ahead of October 31, 'Halloween Day.'
The implementation period is seven days, from October 26 to November 1.
The main measures include ▲ operation of the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and on-site situation response team ▲ special inspection of quarantine rules at high-risk facilities ▲ noise control ▲ special street maintenance ▲ cleaning and safety inspection of the Itaewon area ▲ establishment of a cooperation system with related organizations.
The Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is divided into the situation room, epidemiological investigation team, screening clinic, and disinfection team. A total of 21 staff members are working, maintaining a real-time response system for various situations and civil complaints, basic and in-depth epidemiological investigations of confirmed cases, linkage and transfer to isolation treatment facilities, and disinfection of visited facilities.
The on-site situation response team will operate for two days, October 30 and 31, in major densely populated areas around Itaewon. Ten district office employees (per day) will patrol the site in pairs to monitor quarantine risk factors. In case of incidents or accidents, they will respond immediately on-site, report trends, and request support from related departments and organizations.
Quarantine rule inspections will also be strengthened for high-risk facilities such as entertainment bars, karaoke bars, PC rooms, and singing rooms in the Itaewon area.
A total of 174 places will be inspected, with 14 people in 7 teams continuously conducting crackdowns. If violations of quarantine rules are confirmed, penalties (at least a two-week gathering ban) and fines will be imposed, and compensation claims will be pursued if necessary.
Noise generation is also subject to regulation. If complaints arise due to loudspeakers, music, or event noise (or if complaints are anticipated), the district office will immediately conduct on-site noise measurement and guidance. If the noise exceeds the living noise regulation standards, fines may be imposed on the business.
Additionally, the district office will strengthen crackdowns on illegal street vendors and roadside deposits, deploying 40 sanitation workers in 5 teams (per day) to prevent garbage accumulation.
Furthermore, to prepare for safety accidents, inspections of outdoor signs, road and traffic facilities, and construction sites in the Itaewon area will be completed by the 29th.
A district official said, "Every year during Halloween, more than 100,000 people flock to Itaewon," adding, "We will do our best to establish a cooperative system with related organizations such as Seoul City and the police to prevent reactive measures after the fact."
Previously, the district requested the government and Seoul City to establish quarantine measures and also sought cooperation from the police. Seoul City plans to conduct joint nighttime crackdowns on food service establishments in the Itaewon area for three days?October 24, 30, and 31?together with the city police agency, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and district office enforcement teams.
The private organization Itaewon Tourism Special Zone Association is also planning its own quarantine and patrols, as well as gateway installations.
Seong Jang-hyun, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, "Due to the club-related outbreak in May, the district office and local merchants have endured a difficult time for a long period," and added, "This year, please refrain from visiting Itaewon during Halloween, and we ask all businesses to strictly follow quarantine rules."
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