Suwon Permits Temporary Use of Single-Use Tableware at Restaurants to Prevent Virus Spread

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South Korea increased to 18, Suwon City decided to temporarily permit the use of single-use tableware at restaurants.

Vice Mayor Jo Mu-young presided over a "Novel Coronavirus Infection Response Status Report Meeting" held at the City Hall Disaster Safety Situation Room on the 5th, saying "We must strengthen management of self-quarantine subjects to prevent the spread of infectious disease," and instructed, "If there is a shortage of health center staff to manage self-quarantine subjects, receive support from other departments to conduct thorough one-on-one management."

He further stated, "As time passes, staff members in charge of responding to the novel coronavirus infection may accumulate fatigue and lose vigilance," and urged, "Please do not let your guard down until this crisis is completely resolved."

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Epidemic Prevention Headquarters implemented new "Novel Coronavirus Infection Response Guidelines" from the 4th and strengthened management of people in contact with confirmed patients.

According to the response guidelines, the distinction between "close contacts" and "casual contacts" is eliminated, and all are classified only as "contacts." People who had contact within 2 meters of a confirmed patient during the period they were symptomatic, or people who were in the same space when a confirmed patient coughed without a mask in a closed space are classified as contacts through epidemiological investigators' judgment.

All contacts are placed under "self-quarantine" for two weeks, and a local government official is designated as a one-on-one manager.

Self-quarantine subjects receive a self-quarantine order signed by the head of the relevant health center. Failure to comply with self-quarantine results in criminal prosecution under the current "Infectious Disease Prevention Act" and a fine of up to 3 million won.

As of 5 a.m. on the 5th, the city has 1 confirmed patient (case No. 15) and 89 self-quarantine subjects. The city is providing supplies to self-quarantine subjects in need. To date, 20 items have been supplied to 17 households.

Meanwhile, the city decided to permit the use of single-use tableware at restaurants within the city for a certain period to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Restaurants where it is difficult to conduct sufficient disinfection and cleaning due to large numbers of customers may use single-use tableware. Single-use tableware can also be provided when customers request it.

Novel coronavirus infection presents symptoms such as fever, cough, respiratory distress, and atypical pneumonia. Additionally, people should pay special attention to hygiene by frequently washing hands and covering their mouths with their sleeves when coughing. Hands should be washed with soap under running water for more than 30 seconds, and people with respiratory symptoms must wear a mask.

※ Contact information for symptom inquiries

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency: 1339

Jangan-gu Health Center: 031-228-5909

Gwonseon-gu Health Center: 031-228-6760

Paldal-gu Health Center: 031-228-7680

Yeongtong-gu Health Center: 031-228-8519