Gyeonggi-do’s COVID-19 Response Plan

It has been long since every country is struggling with this issue. How Korea is dealing with this problem? About Gyeonggi province specifically.

Nine months have passed since South Korea’s first COVID-19 case was diagnosed. Since then, the central and local governments have been hard at work to limit the spread of the virus while simultaneously endeavoring to cushion the impact it has on the economy and society. Currently, Gyeonggi-do is carrying out notable policies, including executive orders, to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

 

Today we are taking a closer look at Gyeonggi-do’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

What is Gyeonggi-do’s COVID Response Plan

Gyeonggi-do has implemented a 6-pronged plan to control the spread of the COVID-19, protect residents, and safeguard higher-risk populations.

 

Mandate on Mask Use

From the start of the pandemic, South Koreans opted to wear masks in public. Some have suggested that the adoption of masks by Koreans as a preventative measure is due to the previous SARS and MERS outbreaks, concluding that Asian nations are more accustomed to masks and thus better prepared to deal with the situation. There might be some truth to that statement, yet a sense of unity – the feeling that, as a society, everyone is in this together – could also be a bigger factor. On top of that, wearing a mask, which should be regarded a matter of health and safety, was not politicized in South Korea to the degree we have seen in some other parts of the world.

 

However, as summer rolled around, people began using masks inappropriately. The South Korean summer can be very hot and humid, making mask use more uncomfortable. It was around this time that Korea saw the second wave of infections despite previously successful efforts in controlling the disease.

 

Gyeonggi-do’s first step in countering the second wave of COVID-19 was to make mask use mandatory. The provincial government issued an administrative order on August 18 requiring that all residents wear masks in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Management Act. All residents and visitors in Gyeonggi-do are required to wear masks outdoors and in public facilities.

 

Refusing to comply can lead to a fine of up to KRW 3 million or a penalty up to KRW 100,000. In addition, if the refusal to wear a mask causes damage, such as leading to the further spread of COVID-19, additional fines can be imposed.

 

Gyeonggi Province has started monitoring mask use at high-risk facilities, especially crowded public facilities, with the help of cities and counties.

 

Suspension of Tasting Corners

Tasting food samples at tasting corners is a popular activity among supermarket visitors. However, due to the risk of contagion, tasting corner operation will be suspended for a while.

 

Suspension of tasting corners in large distribution facilities affects 925 locations in the province. The abovementioned businesses can continue their general sales and distribution activities, but tasting corners and other tasting-related activities have been placed on hold. 

 

In case of violation, a business owner can be fined up to KRW 3 million. Visitors who violate the mandate also face a penalty of up to KRW 100,000.

 

Restrictions on Eating and Drinking in Convenience Stores

The next tactic has been to limit eating and drinking in convenience stores between 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Eating and drinking in convenience stores during late hours is a common activity in Korea. Convenience stores tend to be high traffic businesses that could propel to the spread of COVID-19. As a result, eating and drinking in convenience stores has  been limited.

 

In case of violation, under the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Management Act, business owners may be fined up to KRW 3 million and customers may face a penalty up to KRW 100,000.

 

Home Care System

Gyeonggi-do seeks to care for all local patients to assure no one is left out. However, rising COVID-19 numbers can potentially lead to a shortage of available hospital beds and equipment. Accordingly, as the number of confirmed patients increases, Gyeonggi Province is operating the 'COVID-19 Home Care System' to help COVID-19 patients who display mild symptoms.

 

This new system is aimed at confirmed patients who are staying at home and waiting to be hospitalized. The condition of home care patients will be monitored by professional medical staff on a daily basis, and they will receive medical and mental health counseling.

 

The Gyeonggi-do home care system management team operates 24 hours a day to care for local patients.

 

Gyeonggi-do Emergency Medical Support Team

Gyeonggi-do has recruited emergency support medical personnel to ensure that healthcare facilities can operate smoothly. A total of 722 medical professionals have applied to be part of the support team.

The emergency support team is a valuable force that can make sure that COVID-19 patients receive appropriate care even in the event of staff shortages and unforeseen events.

 

Legal Action Against COVID-19 Test Refusal

The plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 requires that everyone who comes in contact with an infected individual be tested. Testing ensures proper action and preparations are undertaken for the individuals concerned and helps with assessing the safety of the local population.

 

To safeguard local residents, Gyeonggi-do will take legal action against individuals who refuse to be tested.

 

The reality of COVID-19 is such that anyone who comes in contact with an infected individual risks contracting the disease. For example, if a mass infection occurs in an apartment building, no one is safe. For this reason, the testing and tracking all individuals is crucial for preventing the further spread of the disease.

 

Gyeonggi-do installed a “drive-through” large-scale COVID-19 screening center in the parking lot (P4) of the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE

Drive-through Screening Clinic

Korea’s first drive-throughscreening clinic was established in Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do. Drive-through screening allowed medical staff to test up to 540 people per day without requiring individuals to get out of their cars. Compared to previous methods, this proved to be a fast and safe way by which to screen exposed individuals.

 

In addition to Goyang City, drive-through clinics are being operated in the cities of Sejong and Daegu as well.

 

Disaster-related Basic Income

The economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major concern for countries around the world, with individuals and small businesses being hit the hardest. To help local residents and bolster the local economy, Gyeonggi-do has implemented disaster-related basic income.

Since the start of the Gyeonggi disaster basic income, annual sales of small businesses in traditional markets have increased significantly.

Ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE

By augmenting the purchasing power of local residents, Gyeonggi-do has been able to improve sales by small businesses as well.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on individuals, businesses, and nations. Preventing the spread of the disease is the best solution at hand before a vaccine is approved for widespread use. Preventative measures might be annoying, but we can only battle the pandemic together as a society. With Gyeonggi-do’s COVID-19 response plan, the province is doing its utmost to protect local residents during these unprecedented times.