Local communities embracing Chinese evacuees from Wuhan receive nationwide support

[Suwon Ilbo=Correspondent Seo Dong-young] A wave of support and encouragement is pouring in for the region that has warmly embraced Chinese evacuees from Wuhan who fled to Korea to escape COVID-19.

The 226 local government leaders of the National Association of Mayors and County Governors have been running the "Communities Care" campaign since the 7th to show support for residents of Asan City in South Chungcheong Province, and Jincheon and Eumseong counties in North Chungcheong Province, which are accommodating the Chinese evacuees.

The significance of this grassroots campaign lies in its expression of respect for the residents of areas that have accepted the accommodation of evacuees from Wuhan.

The campaign involves mayors, county governors, and district chiefs across the nation posting messages on social media such as Facebook with content including "We sincerely respect and support your efforts, citizens," and "We encourage all of you—medical staff, public officials, and Chinese evacuees."

The campaign also promotes regional specialties such as cucumbers from Asan, rice from Jincheon, and red peppers from Eumseong, encouraging participation in promoting product sales to stimulate the local economy.

Already, the association as well as Geumsan County, Buyeo County, Boryeong City, Damyang County, Nonsan City, Jeungpyeong County, and Anyang City have participated in the campaign, sending donations as well as local specialty products such as strawberries and red ginseng.

Additionally, Suwon City, Cheongju City, Hanam City, Michuhol-gu, Jongno-gu, and Ulju County plan to participate in the campaign through methods including financial donations or goods contributions, as well as purchasing local agricultural products.

Meanwhile, Chairman Yeom Tae-young (Mayor of Suwon) and other co-chairmen of the association visited Jincheon National Civil Service Training Institute and Eumseong County Office on the 12th, where they expressed gratitude to local residents and encouraged medical personnel and other related staff members who are accommodating the Wuhan evacuees.

Chairman Yeom stated, "The residents of Asan and Jincheon have opened their hearts and embraced evacuees from Wuhan, China with care and warmth," adding "This campaign will be an exemplary case demonstrating mature civic consciousness in which local governments help one another and revitalize the regional economy."