[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Kang In-kyu, mayor of Naju, Jeollanam-do, announced a statement on the 26th regarding the spread of local COVID-19 infections and urged citizens to actively participate and cooperate by adhering to personal quarantine rules to prevent further spread.
Mayor Kang said, “Since the 18th, six confirmed cases have been identified, including Jeonnam patient number 287, their family, village residents, and hospital staff in the Geumcheon-myeon area, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 26.”
He added, “Five people in total were confirmed positive, including three infected through contact with Gwangju patient number 517 and two secondary infections; among them, four were from Nampyeong and one from Songwol-dong.”
He also called for the identification of the movement path of the most recently confirmed Jeonnam patient number 367 and a prompt and accurate in-depth epidemiological investigation.
Mayor Kang stated, “In the case of Jeonnam patient number 367, who was infected in Bitgaram-dong, the infection route is unclear, and so far nine people have been confirmed positive. We conducted comprehensive testing for about 800 people, including all students and staff at the elementary school attended by the confirmed patient’s child, and we will promptly inform the public of the test results as soon as they are available.”
Mayor Kang urged citizens to actively cooperate with the city’s quarantine authorities’ decision to raise social distancing to level 1.5 as a preemptive measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the region and the anticipated winter surge.
Under social distancing level 1.5, gatherings or protests of more than 100 people, large-scale concerts, academic events, and festivals are prohibited, and schools must maintain a density of two-thirds attendance.
Wearing masks is mandatory not only in key management facilities such as cafes and restaurants but also at outdoor sports stadiums.
Regarding religious activities, regular worship services, masses, and Buddhist ceremonies are allowed with participation limited to 30% of seating capacity, while meetings and meals hosted by religious facilities are prohibited.
Mayor Kang emphasized, “Since the 24th, we have raised the quarantine level to social distancing 1.5 and are implementing strong quarantine measures, but additional confirmed cases are still occurring. We will never stop our efforts for citizens’ safety and the end of COVID-19 together with public officials.”
The city will operate a strengthened quarantine system to block the spread of local infections.
Additionally, 20 health and nursing personnel have been urgently deployed to the public health center’s emergency response office, and about 200 dedicated public officials have been assigned for one-on-one management of self-quarantine cases, with support for computer equipment, focusing all efforts on overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.
Following the government’s guidelines to strengthen public sector quarantine management, city hall staff will also work from home one-fifth at a time.
Mayor Kang said, “All citizens, including small business owners and self-employed people, are going through difficult times due to COVID-19. I ask everyone to strictly follow personal hygiene rules and make mask-wearing a daily habit so that everyone’s sacrifices and efforts will not be wasted in an instant.”
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