Damyang-gun Focuses Administrative Efforts on Helping Heat-Vulnerable Elderly Stay Healthy This Summer

Opening of 366 Senior Centers and Senior Welfare Centers with Thorough COVID-19 Prevention Measures

[Damyang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Chunsu] Damyang County is focusing administrative efforts to minimize heatwave damage to vulnerable elderly people as the intense heat begins in earnest.

On the 26th, according to the county, they first opened 366 senior centers and elderly welfare centers, providing cooling cost support to ensure air conditioners can be operated sufficiently, creating conditions where the elderly can comfortably escape the heat.

Currently, the vaccination rate for those aged 65 and over is 83.5% (based on the first dose), establishing herd immunity. Elderly people without air conditioners at home are given priority to use the facilities. They are also making all-out efforts for COVID-19 prevention, including designating quarantine and heatwave response managers, mandating indoor mask-wearing for users, and ventilating at least once every two hours.

Additionally, the on-site elderly job project is temporarily suspended until the 15th of next month, and home visit services are being expanded to strengthen welfare checks for vulnerable elderly people such as those with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. They are also providing guidance on heatwave response actions and health rules.

A county official said, “We will do our best to prepare various measures so that elderly people vulnerable to heatwaves can wisely overcome the intense heat.”