Family of Confirmed Patient Expresses Gratitude: "Suwon City's Meticulous Care is the Best"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City's meticulous and careful management of self-quarantined individuals has recently been revealed, providing quiet inspiration.

On the afternoon of the 19th of last month, Lee OO (20, female) received notice that her father, Suwon's 20th confirmed COVID-19 patient, had tested positive. Health center staff soon arrived to disinfect the house, and her father was transferred to a hospital. The three remaining family members at home also had samples taken.

The family was at a loss in this sudden situation. The next morning, the family's test results came back. Fortunately, they were negative. They received notice of self-quarantine from the health center. With only two bathrooms in Lee's home, only two people could self-quarantine there.

Her mother and younger sibling quarantined at home, while Lee decided to stay at the city-operated temporary self-quarantine facility (Suwon Youth Hostel) following health center recommendations. On the afternoon of March 20, she arrived at Suwon Youth Hostel by ambulance.

On April 3, after completing two weeks of self-quarantine, she checked out in good health. She showed no symptoms during the quarantine period and tested negative on a diagnostic test before discharge.

On the 5th, Lee visited Suwon Youth Hostel again with her mother, bringing a package of snacks. The carefully packaged snack bundle contained cup noodles, cookies, candies, and beverages. The snacks were distributed to residents and staff at Suwon Youth Hostel. Lee repeatedly expressed her gratitude, saying "I was truly grateful during this time."

She added, "During my stay at the temporary facility, you provided me with so many snacks that I decided I would definitely repay this kindness after I was discharged," and said, "I am grateful to everyone who helped me during my self-quarantine period."

Health center staff from the Young-tong District Health Center called daily to check her temperature and health status, asking "Is there anything inconvenient?" and cared for her attentively. Lee said, "All the people who called from the health center were truly kind," and "I wanted to express my gratitude."

Life at the temporary facility was highly structured. She had breakfast at 8 a.m., took her temperature at 10 a.m., and had her room disinfected. She had lunch at noon, took her temperature again at 3 p.m., and had her room disinfected. She had dinner at 6 p.m. Snacks were placed outside her door every day. Staff at Suwon Youth Hostel guided her through the daily schedule via broadcast from time to time.

Lee said, "After about three days, my worries and anxiety gradually diminished and I adapted to the self-quarantine life," and "I read a lot of books, attended university online lectures, and exercised in my spare time, spending the time quite meaningfully."

She completed her 14-day self-quarantine and checked out on April 3. Even after returning home, she rarely goes out. Her only outings are walks in a nearby park late at night while wearing a mask. "After self-quarantine, I became more cautious about everything," she said.

Last week, Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young called her personally to inquire about her wellbeing. Lee said, "I was quite surprised when the mayor called," and "He asked 'Are you healthy?' and also mentioned the snacks I had delivered to the temporary facility," she said.

Lee said, "After my father's movement history was made public, false information spread online such as 'The family traveled to Europe' and 'One of the children was infected,' which scared me greatly," and "Strangers left comments cursing and blaming our family, causing my family to be deeply shocked." She added, "I hope that confirmed patients and their families will not be blamed for false information."

The city began operating the temporary facility on February 18. Eligible residents are contacts of COVID-19 confirmed patients who have received a self-quarantine notice. They can use the facility for two weeks until their self-quarantine is lifted.