'COVID-19 Cluster Infection' Hyundai Department Store Trade Center Branch to Resume Normal Operations from Tomorrow

Food Hall Workers Quarantined for 14 Days... Workforce Minimized to One-Third Level

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Hyundai Department Store Trade Center branch in Samseong-dong, Seoul, which temporarily closed due to a COVID-19 cluster infection, will resume normal operations starting on the 13th.

According to Hyundai Department Store on the 12th, the Trade Center branch will minimize the total workforce to about one-third of the usual number when reopening on the 13th. Only employees who have tested negative for COVID-19 three or more times will be allowed to work.

For food hall workers, regardless of their infection status, all have been under self-quarantine for 14 days starting from the 7th, so replacement personnel will be deployed.

Visitors will be checked at 13 department store entrances using QR check-in and safe call methods. Elevator capacity will be reduced by more than 30%, and social distancing measures such as skipping two escalator steps will be strengthened.

A 'disinfection gate' that disinfects the entire body will be operated at employee entrances, and a 'safety quarantine officer' system will be introduced to manage compliance with quarantine rules in employee facilities.

At the Hyundai Department Store Trade Center branch, after two employees were first confirmed positive on the 4th, a total of 118 related cases were reported by the 11th. Among them, 95 were department store employees.

The Trade Center branch closed for one day on the 5th, the day after the first confirmed cases, then resumed normal operations on the 6th but closed early at 3 p.m. that day due to additional confirmed cases. As cases surged, the store remained closed from the 7th until the 12th, the department store’s regular closing day, for disinfection and cleaning.

A Hyundai Department Store official said, "During the closure period, thorough disinfection and cleaning of all facilities were conducted," adding, "We will do our best to provide a safe shopping environment for both customers and employees."