Instructions to establish a response system including securing medical institutions capable of rapid antigen testing due to the transition of the inspection system... Emphasis on wearing KF80 or higher masks and participation in the third vaccine dose... Gwangjin-gu, COVID-19 vaccination for unregistered foreigners
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, recently issued an urgent appeal in response to the dominance of the Omicron variant.
Mayor Kim stated, “We are switching the testing system to actively respond to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.”
He further explained that starting from the 29th of this month, PCR tests will be immediately conducted only for those aged 60 and above and high-risk groups. Other general testers will receive PCR tests only if their rapid antigen test results are positive, indicating a change in the testing and treatment system.
Mayor Kim appealed, “To block Omicron, please wear masks rated KF80 or higher correctly and participate in the third dose of vaccination.”
He concluded by saying, “Gwangjin-gu will carefully monitor the quarantine situation despite changes in the crisis and respond swiftly to ensure a safe Gwangjin.”
In this regard, on the 26th, the district held an emergency countermeasure meeting to discuss response plans due to the increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases caused by the Omicron variant and concerns about the spread of local infections during the Lunar New Year holiday period.
On that day, Mayor Kim instructed, “Prepare measures to alleviate residents’ anxiety caused by the change in the testing and treatment system and establish inspection plans to ensure compliance with government quarantine guidelines.” He also emphasized, “Especially secure medical institutions capable of rapid antigen testing and establish a response system.”
To address the increased workload due to the surge in confirmed cases, Gwangjin-gu plans to reinforce response personnel and additionally secure safe accommodations for families of home-treated patients and medical institutions managing home treatment.
Mayor Kim Seon-gap’s urgent message can be found on the district office’s website, official blog, and YouTube channel.
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) will conduct COVID-19 vaccinations for undocumented foreigners to increase the vaccination rate among foreign residents.
As the spread of the Omicron variant accelerates recently, the incidence of confirmed cases among foreigners is increasing. However, the vaccination rate among foreigners is lower compared to Koreans, which has become a concern.
Accordingly, the district will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to any foreign resident in Korea without any disadvantage regarding their status, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The vaccination site is the vaccination room on the 2nd floor of the Gwangjin-gu Public Health Center, and any foreign resident in Korea can receive the vaccine regardless of their address.
Whether or not they are undocumented does not matter. Even if identified as undocumented, their identity will not be reported to the Ministry of Justice.
If a foreigner does not have a registration number, they can visit the health center to receive a temporary management number issued with their passport and get vaccinated immediately. Even without a passport, they can show identity documents issued by their embassy in Korea (with a photo), expired passports, foreigner registration cards, or if they are workers managed by their workplace, a management number can be issued and vaccination provided.
Even undocumented foreigners who have already been assigned a temporary management number can receive free vaccinations at 102 designated medical institutions in Gwangjin-gu. However, foreigners staying short-term (90 days or less) for travel purposes are only eligible if they have completed the first and second doses.
The vaccines administered are Pfizer on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Janssen on Wednesdays. Visits require prior reservation through the call center.
Mayor Kim Seon-gap said, “To prevent cluster infections and the spread of COVID-19 among foreigners who are in the blind spots of vaccination, we have prepared a plan to allow undocumented foreigners to receive vaccinations without any disadvantage regarding their status. For your safety and that of those around you, please be sure to get vaccinated.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
