10 Million Beachgoers Flock, Signs of 'COVID-19 Resurgence'?… Gangneung City Goes All Out to 'Prevent Spread'

Confirmed cases on 7.4 (58), 7.5 (63), 7.6 (72)
Establishment of daily maximum 4,500 screening test system
Designation and operation of 37 'Respiratory Patient Care Centers'

Photo materials [Gangneung-si]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As the peak summer vacation season begins, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Gangneung is on the rise, prompting health authorities to launch an all-out response.

The Gangneung City health authorities announced on the 8th, "The recent daily average number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was about 32, but on the 6th, 72 confirmed cases were reported, showing signs of a resurgence."

According to the city health authorities, the number of confirmed cases in Gangneung reached a daily maximum of 1,896 before entering a downward trend, but then recorded 58 cases on July 4, 63 cases on July 5, and 72 cases on July 6.

Regarding the increase in confirmed cases, it is judged that the possibility of a resurgence cannot be ruled out, and efforts are being strengthened to prevent the spread by checking the medical response system and providing guidance on daily quarantine rules.

After establishing a step-by-step response plan, preparations are underway to conduct up to 4,500 screening tests per day. Additionally, 37 "Respiratory Patient Treatment Centers" have been designated to handle diagnosis, testing, oral antiviral prescriptions, and treatment of confirmed cases all at once.

Baek Chun-hee, head of the health center, said, "With more than 10 million tourists visiting Gangneung every year, there is concern about the risk of resurgence along with the increasing trend," and urged, "Please follow personal quarantine rules and ventilation guidelines, and if respiratory symptoms occur, be sure to receive treatment at a respiratory patient treatment center."

Meanwhile, the Gangneung City Health Center is operating free PCR testing without holidays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM for those aged 60 and above (born before 1962), entrants within 3 days (both domestic and foreign nationals), and patients before hospital admission.