Minister Jeong Young-ae Visits Gunpo Youth Shelter to Inspect Quarantine and Heatwave Response

Minister Jeong Young-ae of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is attending the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response held via video conference between Sejong and Seoul at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 20th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Jung Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, visits youth shelters that continue to operate without interruption despite COVID-19 to inspect quarantine measures and listen to on-site opinions.

On the 2nd, Minister Jung visited the Gunpo Male Long-term Youth Shelter located in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, to examine the quarantine status and heatwave response measures.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family supports out-of-home youth by early detection, providing living protection, academic and self-reliance support, helping them return healthily to their families and society. They also conduct weekly inspections on the status of proactive COVID-19 testing for workers at youth facilities and the youth themselves amid the pandemic.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the role and importance of youth shelters protecting at-risk youth have expanded. Nationwide youth shelters (134 locations) operate continuously under thorough quarantine measures to ensure no out-of-home youth are left on the streets.

For safe operation, youth entering shelters are required to undergo PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, and until results are confirmed, they stay in isolated spaces within the shelter. Even after admission, proactive testing is recommended once a week.

The Ministry is coordinating with local governments to prioritize COVID-19 vaccination for youth shelter workers. The workers at the youth shelter in Gyeonggi-do, which is being visited this time, are currently undergoing vaccination.

Minister Jung Young-ae said, "I thank all youth shelter workers who strive to protect and support out-of-home youth despite the prolonged COVID-19 situation, and I hope both workers and admitted youth can follow quarantine guidelines and stay safe."