Omicron Response System Transition in Gwangju Buk-gu... Full-Scale COVID-19 Response

Full Effort to Prevent Infection Spread Aligned with Diagnostic Testing System Reform on the 26th

Focus on Proactive Response, Quarantine Guideline Inspection, Confirmed Case and Self-Quarantine Management, and Support for Livelihood Stability

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Buk-gu, Gwangju City announced on the 25th that it will shift its COVID-19 quarantine system to an Omicron response system and focus all efforts on preemptive measures and preventing the spread of local infections.

This transition in the response system is a measure taken due to the nationwide detection rate of Omicron exceeding 50%, and with Omicron classified as the dominant strain in Gwangju and Jeonnam, confirmed cases have been recording daily numbers in the 500s, indicating a rapid increase in COVID-19 infections.

Accordingly, Buk-gu will switch to the Omicron response system in line with the diagnostic testing system reorganization in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions starting on the 26th, focusing on sector-specific responses including ▲preemptive COVID-19 response ▲quarantine guideline inspections ▲management of confirmed cases and self-quarantined individuals ▲and support for livelihood stabilization.

First, separate from the screening clinic previously located in the annex parking lot of the district office, a newly constructed permanent screening clinic with three above-ground floors opposite the Buk-gu Office has been operated, completing diagnostic testing for about 2,800 childcare center staff members, including those fully vaccinated, by the 24th.

Until the 6th of next month, preemptive diagnostic testing will be conducted two to three times weekly for approximately 4,500 workers at 133 infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals, medical institutions, and facilities for the disabled and homeless residents, and testing will continue for about 170 workers at three postpartum care centers.

Additionally, inspections of multi-use facilities will be significantly strengthened, including checking for violations of operating hour restrictions at 752 video and audio establishments such as PC rooms and karaoke rooms, and compliance with quarantine rules at 789 religious facilities and 799 public and private sports facilities.

In particular, through a dedicated self-quarantine task force consisting of about 450 public officials from 37 district departments, efforts will focus on managing self-quarantined individuals following confirmed cases by verifying symptoms, preventing absences, and providing quarantine release guidance.

Monitoring and quarantine management will also be strengthened for high-risk facilities such as elderly nursing homes and day and night care centers.

Alongside this, support for home treatment, provision of living support funds, and essential goods will be promptly provided to those hospitalized or quarantined due to COVID-19.

Furthermore, measures to stabilize livelihoods and minimize damage will be pursued, including small business quarantine support funds for small business owners and small enterprises, operation of quarantine help centers in industrial complexes and cyber video export consultation offices, revitalization of local markets through the Buk-gu Livelihood Economy Activation Headquarters, the Rejump Stepping Stone Project, and Buk-gu style Stepping Stone Special Guarantee support.

District Chief Moon In said, “Residents’ cooperation is crucial to respond to the rapid spread of Omicron,” and added, “Please refrain from visiting enclosed and crowded facilities with high infection risk and actively participate in following quarantine rules such as wearing masks.”

He added, “We will thoroughly prepare to ensure that the reorganized testing system can be implemented without any issues.”

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong bong2910@asiae.co.kr