Gimhae City Issues 'Administrative Order' to Early Curb COVID-19 Spread... Measures Equivalent to Level 2 Implemented

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Gimhae City in Gyeongnam announced on the 21st that it will implement targeted quarantine measures equivalent to social distancing level 2 on a temporary basis for certain facility groups where confirmed COVID-19 cases have occurred or where there is a high risk of infection, in order to quickly curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Among the 315 confirmed cases reported in Gimhae this year, 209 cases, accounting for 66%, have occurred intensively over the past two months. Accordingly, the city will issue an administrative order banning gatherings for one week starting from the 22nd at 1,491 locations including academies, private tutoring centers, and study cafes in areas where many confirmed cases have recently been reported.

Additionally, during the same period, an administrative order will be issued to restrict the operating hours of all indoor and outdoor sports facilities (142 locations) in the eastern region (Saman, Hwalcheon, Bulam-dong), where a balloon effect is feared due to the application of social distancing level 2 in Busan City, until 10 p.m.

Furthermore, in response to the spring outing season, walking trails within naturally occurring recreational areas such as Jangyu Daecheong Valley, which many citizens visit, will be temporarily closed starting from the 22nd.

An interim screening clinic will be set up at the Jangyu Health Living Support Center and operated for one week from the 19th to the 25th, with the possibility of extended operation if necessary.

Mayor Heo Seong-gon stated, “Although the Jangyu area had a relatively low rate of confirmed cases compared to its large population, the recent rapid increase is very concerning. We ask for understanding that the closure of these facilities is an unavoidable measure to quickly curb COVID-19, and we urge citizens to refrain from visiting other regions for spring outings or small gatherings and to undergo diagnostic testing if they exhibit any suspicious symptoms.”