The number of flu patients is increasing significantly.
Accordingly, each autonomous district in Seoul is putting great effort into preparing countermeasures such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated to prevent the flu.
In particular, with the upcoming mass movement of people during the Seollal holiday, there is a high possibility that the flu spread will continue for some time, so proactive measures are being taken to prevent and control infectious disease spread within the local community.
Seongdong-gu mandates mask-wearing from the 16th to prevent flu spread
Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that, as the number of influenza (flu) patients in Korea has reached the highest level in eight years, a strong quarantine measure will be implemented within Seongdong-gu starting from the 16th to prevent the spread of respiratory infectious diseases.
According to health authorities, suspected flu cases have been increasing for seven consecutive weeks, indicating a nationwide spread of respiratory infectious diseases. In particular, the number of suspected flu patients showing symptoms among 1,000 outpatients in the first week of this year reached 99.8, the highest since 2016, according to the Respiratory Infectious Disease Sentinel Surveillance System of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
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 (Flu),’ mandating indoor mask-wearing for staff 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 the disabled.
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, as well as public facilities like district offices and health centers, and multi-use facilities such as academies where youth are likely to stay for extended periods in crowded conditions. Voluntary participation will be encouraged through campaigns.
Additionally, mask-wearing will be recommended in cases where there is a high risk of contact with others in crowded outdoor settings, such as public transportation, performances, or gatherings. 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 set a guidance period until the end of this month to avoid confusion on the ground. During this period, instead of enforcement, the district will actively inform residents about the order and promote community participation to ensure safety.
Furthermore, the district will inform residents to: ▲ wear masks and seek medical care promptly at nearby medical institutions if experiencing respiratory symptoms such as coughing or fever ▲ follow respiratory infectious disease prevention rules such as indoor ventilation and handwashing ▲ participate in flu 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 the current flu epidemic and request their participation, which is why we have reluctantly implemented this administrative order.” He added, “We will respond thoroughly during the guidance period to minimize inconvenience and confusion for residents.” He also emphasized, “Experts foresee the possibility of intensified spread around the Seollal holiday, so it is difficult to expect this epidemic to pass quickly. I ask many residents to join forces with the spirit of protecting their own health, their families, and neighbors.”
Mapo-gu expands free flu prevention to staff at public daycare centers and district-run elderly social welfare facilities
Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-soo) is expanding the target group for free flu vaccinations for the 2024-2025 season to include staff at public daycare centers and district-run elderly social welfare facilities residing in Mapo-gu, amid a recent surge in influenza (flu) patients.
The newly added eligible individuals can receive vaccinations at the Mapo-gu Health Center and four designated medical institutions within the district. The vaccination period runs until April 30.
When visiting the health center or medical institutions, individuals must bring identification and proof of employment such as a certificate of employment.
A district official said, “The quadrivalent vaccine used in this vaccination is highly effective as it targets influenza virus type A strains similar to those currently circulating,” and added, “Along with vaccination, we ask that masks be worn in public places and on public transportation.”
Children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older, who are already eligible for free vaccination, can receive it at designated medical institutions nationwide. Mapo-gu offers vaccinations at 176 medical institutions.
Information about designated medical institutions and vaccination details can be found on the Mapo-gu Health Center website. Detailed guidance is also available through the Mapo-gu Health Companion Department and the Dasan Call Center.
Park Kang-soo, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “We hope residents complete their flu vaccinations before the Seollal holiday to enjoy a healthy holiday with their families,” and added, “Mapo-gu will do its best to protect residents from infectious diseases and other illnesses.”
Gwangjin-gu supports free influenza vaccination for 87,962 high-risk individuals including children and the elderly
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is supporting free influenza vaccinations primarily for vulnerable groups in preparation for this winter’s flu season.
The target groups are high-risk individuals prone to respiratory diseases, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with severe disabilities. There are 87,962 eligible individuals in Gwangjin-gu, and vaccinations began sequentially from the 20th of this month.
The vaccination uses a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four virus strains. It includes all strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and can be administered simultaneously with the COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccination period extends until April 30 of next year. To ensure smooth progress without overcrowding, vaccination schedules differ by target group.
First, children aged 6 months to 13 years who require two doses started receiving vaccinations from the 20th. On October 2, vaccinations will be given to children receiving their first dose and pregnant women.
Seniors will be vaccinated by age group: October 11 for those aged 75 and older (born before 1949), October 15 for those aged 70-74 (born 1950-1954), and October 18 for those aged 65-69 (born 1955-1959).
Additionally, people aged 14-64 with severe disabilities (grades 1-3) and medical aid recipients can receive vaccinations from October 14 to November 29.
Vaccinations are available at 160 specialized contracted medical institutions in Gwangjin-gu. Visitors must bring identification and verification documents such as disability welfare cards. Detailed information can be found at the Gwangjin-gu Health Center or the Vaccination Helper website.
Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “As a severe cold winter is expected, we have started free vaccinations to protect residents’ health,” and added, “We hope everyone participates in vaccination to enjoy a healthy and safe daily life with family and neighbors.”
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