"Wear Masks"... Seongdong-gu Implements Strong Quarantine Measures Amid 'Flu Emergency'

Seongdong-gu to Mandate and Recommend Mask Wearing at Legally Designated Infection-Vulnerable Facilities Starting January 16
Active Promotion of Mask Wearing and Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines During Guidance Period Until End of January

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that starting from the 16th, a strong quarantine measure will be implemented within Seongdong-gu to prevent the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, as the number of influenza (flu) patients in Korea has reached the highest level in eight years.

According to health authorities, the number of suspected flu patients has been increasing for seven consecutive weeks, indicating a nationwide spread of respiratory infectious diseases. In particular, the number of suspected patients showing flu symptoms among 1,000 outpatients in the first week of this year was 99.8, the highest since 2016, according to the Respiratory Infectious Disease Sentinel Surveillance System of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Seongdong-gu has identified that high-risk groups have a higher possibility of severe illness, and with the large-scale national movement during the Lunar New Year holidays, the current spread is likely to continue for some time. Therefore, the district decided to take proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases within the community.

Accordingly, from the 16th, Seongdong-gu will issue an administrative order titled ‘Mandatory Mask Wearing and Recommended Administrative Order to Strengthen Quarantine for Respiratory Infectious Diseases including Influenza.’ This mandates indoor mask-wearing for workers and visitors at legally designated infection-vulnerable facilities such as long-term care institutions (nursing hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers), mental health promotion facilities, and facilities for persons with disabilities.

Although not legally designated infection-vulnerable facilities, mask-wearing will be strongly recommended at welfare centers, postpartum care centers, daycare centers, kindergartens, and other facilities mainly used by high-risk groups such as seniors aged 65 and older, infants and young children, and pregnant women. It will also be strongly recommended at public facilities such as district offices and public health centers, as well as multi-use facilities like academies where youth gather densely for extended periods. Campaigns will be conducted to encourage voluntary participation.

Additionally, mask-wearing will be recommended on public transportation used by unspecified many people, and at outdoor events such as concerts or gatherings where close contact with others is likely. Especially, all indoor events hosted by Seongdong-gu Office and its affiliated organizations will proactively encourage mask-wearing.

This administrative order will take effect from the 16th, but Seongdong-gu will designate the rest of this month as a guidance period to avoid confusion on the ground. During this period, instead of enforcement, the district will actively inform residents about the order and promote cooperation to protect community safety.

Furthermore, the district will also inform residents to: ▲ wear masks and seek medical treatment promptly at nearby medical institutions if experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough or fever ▲ follow preventive measures for respiratory infectious diseases such as indoor ventilation and hand washing ▲ participate in influenza vaccination to build immunity.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “To maintain a safer community, it is crucial to inform many residents about the seriousness of this flu outbreak and request their participation, which led to the unavoidable implementation of this administrative order.” He added, “We will respond thoroughly during the guidance period to minimize inconvenience and confusion for residents.”

He continued, “Experts predict that the spread may intensify around the Lunar New Year holidays, so it is difficult to expect this outbreak to end quickly.” He emphasized, “I ask many residents to join forces with the spirit of protecting the health of themselves, their families, and their neighbors.”