High Vaccination Rates and the 'Kakgae Jeontu' Effect Among Public Officials
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] It was confirmed on the 28th that the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) exploded to zero after Chuseok in Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam.
In Gyeongnam, only Uiryeong and Sancheong recorded zero confirmed cases even after the Chuseok holiday.
On the other hand, in the province, cases of infection from contact with family members confirmed in other regions such as the metropolitan area have continued before and after the Chuseok holiday period.
As the Chuseok holiday passed, infection cases more than doubled, and the number of confirmed cases surged not only in urban areas but also in rural areas.
Uiryeong is analyzed to have achieved results by proactively responding to prevent confirmed cases in preparation for Chuseok.
First, the vaccination rate was raised as much as possible. As of the 15th before Chuseok, the first dose COVID-19 vaccination rate exceeded 80%.
This is more than 14% higher than the Gyeongnam average vaccination rate.
The county operated a 'two-track' system with the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and the public health center during the holiday period to firmly maintain the emergency response system.
Also, about 600 public officials moved busily in a 'divide and conquer' manner to block confirmed cases.
During the Chuseok holiday period, inspections of multi-use facilities and religious facilities continued, and efforts to encourage quarantine and vaccination at foreign worker facilities, which were a concern, were maintained.
Utilizing the advantages of a small local government, individual contacts were made with village chiefs and heads of social organizations to do their best in promoting restraint from traveling for hometown and relative visits during the Chuseok holiday.
A county official said, "We are conducting tests without omission for visitors from the metropolitan area and other regions after the Chuseok holiday period," adding, "If Uiryeong holds out as a COVID-19 clean area, there will be an effect of reducing the total number of confirmed cases in Gyeongnam as well."
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