Gyeongbuk Andong Public Health Center Temporarily Suspends Operations... Fully Committed to Blocking COVID-19 Spread

20 out of 25 Health Clinics Suspend Medical Services and Diagnosis Certificates

14 Health Sub-centers Maintain Normal Medical and Civil Affairs Operations

Andong City Public Health Center.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] The Andong City Public Health Center in Gyeongbuk has implemented an extraordinary measure to halt daily operations in order to block the spread of COVID-19.

From the 24th to February 4th, Andong Public Health Center has decided to urgently suspend general medical treatment, driver's license aptitude tests, issuance of health examination certificates, and the operations of 20 public health clinics in the towns and townships.

The suspension of health center operations is a measure taken considering the two-week period before the Lunar New Year holiday as the critical peak, during which there is a risk of large-scale cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 cases. The plan is to conduct rapid and accurate diagnostic tests and epidemiological investigations to quickly block the local spread of COVID-19.

It is still possible to provide prescribed medications for previously treated patients and issue certificates for completed tests. Fourteen public health branches and five public health clinics will operate normally. General medical treatment and issuance of health certificates can be done at external hospitals and clinics.

As of the 24th, Andong City has recorded a total of 834 confirmed cases, including 39 new cases. Public health center staff are urgently conducting epidemiological investigations and performing COVID-19 tests on about 1,600 contacts, with self-quarantine measures being implemented for high-risk groups.

Andong City Public Health Center has 14 public health branches led by public health doctors as branch chiefs in towns and townships, and 25 public health clinics managed by public health officers as clinic chiefs. The locations where operations are suspended this time include the public health center and 20 public health clinics.

A public health center official asked for understanding, stating, "This is an emergency measure due to the nationwide spread of COVID-19 and the occurrence of local confirmed cases." He hoped that "citizens would voluntarily participate in additional COVID-19 vaccinations and minimize movement to help block community spread."