Gochang-gun Strengthens Proactive Quarantine Measures in Preparation for COVID-19 Resurgence

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] Jeonbuk Gochang-gun recently judged the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases as the start of a new wave and announced on the 22nd that it will implement proactive quarantine measures to strengthen the management system to prevent group infections and severe cases among vulnerable groups in the area.

The number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases in Gochang-gun has rapidly increased from 37 in the first week of July to 97 in the second week, with the daily average rising from 5.5 to 16.1.

In particular, a high incidence rate of 24.7% is observed among those aged 20 and under, who have low vaccination rates and high contact frequency (0-19 years old 24.7%, 50-59 years old 20.6%, 20-29 years old 16.5%).

The county will strengthen the management of infection-vulnerable facilities and reorganize the infectious disease response system in accordance with the government's re-wave quarantine and medical response measures.

To preemptively block group infections, 22 infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes will be specially managed, with on-site education and weekly PCR preemptive testing for all workers.

Among local hospitals and clinics, 22 respiratory patient care institutions capable of COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, and prescription in one place, and 11 one-stop care institutions have been secured.

When using oral therapeutics, the county plans to actively promote to medical institutions the effect of reducing the risk of severe cases by 63% and the risk of death by 56% in those aged 60 and over, aiming to increase the prescription rate.

The public health center will have all staff rotate at the screening clinic to continuously strengthen PCR testing without holidays, allowing PCR tests from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additionally, efforts will be made to encourage unvaccinated individuals to receive the 4th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and actively promote the expansion of vaccination targets to those aged 50 and over and those aged 18 and over with underlying conditions to increase vaccination rates.

Shim Deok-seop, Gochang County Governor, said, "COVID-19 vaccination is important to minimize damage such as severe cases and deaths and to maintain daily life recovery," and urged, "Eligible individuals should actively participate in the 4th vaccination."

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil baekok@asiae.co.kr