Suwon Prevents Infection Spread Through Thorough Management of International Arrivals

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The number of users of the 'temporary accommodation facility for asymptomatic international arrivals' that Suwon City began operating on the 26th has exceeded 100 in just five days.

Twenty-five people moved in on the first day of operation, and 96 people used the facility by the 29th (58 discharged). Approximately 30 more people are scheduled to move in on the 30th.

Among citizens who moved into the temporary accommodation facility (Election Training Institute of the National Election Commission in Seodun-dong) and underwent diagnostic testing, 4 have been confirmed as positive as of 4 p.m. on the 30th (Suwon confirmed cases 30, 36, 37, 38).

The 'temporary accommodation facility for asymptomatic international arrivals' operated by the city for the first time in the nation is a facility where asymptomatic international arrivals can stay until they receive notification of their COVID-19 diagnostic test results. All asymptomatic international arrivals with resident registration in Suwon City can apply for admission.

The city transports arrivals from the airport to the accommodation facility by shuttle vehicle and covers meal and hygiene kit expenses (thermometers, masks, etc.). Sample testing costs are supported by national and provincial funds.

Residents stay for 1-2 days after samples are collected until test results are available. If they test positive, they are transported to a nationally designated hospital. If they test negative, they return home and self-isolate for two weeks. Discharged residents are transported home by shuttle vehicle operated by the city.

While international arrivals undergo self-isolation at home, the city has launched a 'peace-of-mind hotel service' that allows their families residing in Suwon to use hotels at discounted rates.

For this purpose, the city concluded a business agreement on the 27th with five hotels: Value High-End Hotel Suwon, Ibis Ambassador Suwon, Novotel Ambassador Suwon, Ramada Plaza Suwon, and Courtyard by Marriott Suwon.

The families of international arrivals in South Korea can use the hotels at accommodation rates negotiated between the city and the five hotels. The rates are discounted up to 70% compared to existing prices. Families wishing to use the service can present their identification, the international arrival's airline ticket (entry and exit certificate, visa), and resident registration certificate or family relation certificate to the hotel.

As of 3 p.m. on the 30th, approximately 30 families of international arrivals have made reservations at 'peace-of-mind hotels.'

As cases of secondary infection among families increased following confirmed diagnoses of international arrivals, the city decided to utilize hotels as temporary family accommodation facilities to prevent secondary infections among the families of arrivals.

On the 28th, the city launched a 'dedicated limousine bus and taxi service for safe returns home for those arriving from Europe and the United States.' Suwon residents classified as 'asymptomatic' arrivals in the special entry procedures at Incheon International Airport can use this service.

The dedicated limousine bus and taxi service for safe returns home involves taking the 'dedicated limousine bus' departing from Incheon Airport six times a day (Yongnam Airport Bus Route 4000), getting off at the 'East Suwon Airport Bus Stop,' and then being transported home by taxi. Taxi rides are free of charge.

Meanwhile, the 'temporary accommodation facility for confirmed case contacts' (Suwon Youth Hostel), which began operations on the 18th of last month, has been used by 49 people through the 29th of this month. Thirty-two people have been discharged, and there are currently 17 residents.

Thirty guest rooms (1st and 2nd floors) of the Suwon Youth Hostel's accommodation building are being used as temporary accommodation for confirmed case contacts. Those eligible for admission include families and contacts of COVID-19 confirmed cases. Each resident is assigned one room, but children 12 years old and under and people with disabilities can share a room with their caregiver.

If there are no symptoms for 14 days after receiving notification of self-isolation status, residents may be discharged at the discretion of the relevant health center.

As of 4 p.m. on the 30th, Suwon City has 46 confirmed cases, including 7 'confirmed cases from the quarantine office in Suwon.' Since the 17th confirmed case was reported on the 8th, a total of 28 people, excluding Suwon confirmed cases 34 and 35, have been confirmed positive due to overseas travel history and secondary infection from confirmed cases involving families.

At the 'COVID-19 Response Status Check Meeting' held at the Suwon City Hall Disaster and Safety Situation Room on the 30th, Suwon Mayor Yeum Tae-young stated, "Since the possibility of COVID-19 infection among international arrivals is high, all arrivals must be thoroughly managed to prevent community transmission of infectious diseases," and instructed staff to "pay special attention to the safety of drivers operating vehicles transporting international arrivals and public officials working at the airport and the election training institute."