Suwon's National First 'Asymptomatic Returnee Temporary Quarantine Facility' Used by 570 People Over 22 Days

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] A total of 570 people have used the 'asymptomatic overseas returnee temporary quarantine facility' operated by Suwon City over a 22-day period.

According to the city on the 17th, the city has been operating the nation's first temporary quarantine facility since March 26 for asymptomatic overseas returnees to stay for 1-2 days while awaiting COVID-19 diagnosis test results. The facility utilizes the Central Election Management Committee's Election Training Institute in Gwonseon-gu as a temporary quarantine center.

Starting with 26 people admitted on the first day, 570 people had used the quarantine facility by April 16. The daily intake ranged from a minimum of 22 people (April 6 and 14) to a maximum of 46 people (April 3), with an average of 26 people per day. As of April 16, 30 people were residing in the quarantine facility.

As of April 16, five residents tested positive for COVID-19 after diagnosis tests at the temporary quarantine facility (Suwon confirmed patients No. 30, 36, 37, 38, and 41). Strict quarantine from the time of entry until test results were released prevented additional infections.

As confirmed cases of overseas returnees began appearing in early March, Mayor Yeom Tae-young directed, "The families of overseas returnees must avoid contact with the returnees until COVID-19 diagnosis test results are released," and instructed, "Establish measures to thoroughly manage overseas returnees from the airport."

Cases of secondary infections increased as overseas returnees rode home in vehicles of family members who picked them up from the airport and had contact with family members at home.

The city's first confirmed overseas returnee occurred on March 8—a man in his 20s (Suwon's 17th confirmed patient) who had traveled in Europe including Italy.

The next day, the family member of patient No. 17 became infected and was confirmed positive. Cases of 'quarantine checkpoint confirmed patients' who underwent COVID-19 diagnosis tests at Incheon International Airport's quarantine office and tested positive followed one after another.

All three family members of one confirmed patient who returned from Europe were also confirmed positive.

The city decided to operate a quarantine facility for asymptomatic overseas returnees to stay while awaiting COVID-19 diagnosis test results.

On March 25, the city held a meeting with community leaders including the head of the Seodun-dong residents' autonomous committee where the Central Election Management Committee's Election Training Institute is located, seeking understanding by stating, "We will utilize the Election Training Institute as a temporary living facility for overseas returnees." Residents pledged their cooperation.

The city transports returnees from the airport to the temporary quarantine facility by van and covers meal and hygiene kit costs. Diagnosis test costs are supported by national and provincial budgets. To prevent infection, only one person is allowed per van.

Residents can be admitted after signing a consent form containing an admission application and living guidelines. Admitted residents stay for 1-2 days after specimen collection until test results are released. Those testing positive are transferred to a nationally designated hospital, while those testing negative go home for two weeks of self-quarantine. Discharged residents are transported home by the city via van.

On March 27, the city concluded business agreements with five hotels—Value Hye-end Hotel Suwon, Ibis Ambassador Suwon, Novotel Ambassador Suwon, Ramada Plaza Suwon, and Courtyard by Marriott Suwon—and launched the 'Peace of Mind Lodging' service, allowing families of overseas returnees residing in Suwon to use hotels at discounted rates while returnees self-quarantine at home.

Families of overseas returnees can use the hotels at accommodation rates agreed upon between the city and the five hotels—prices discounted up to 70% compared to regular rates. Families wishing to use the service can present their ID, the overseas returnee's airline ticket (entry and exit certification, visa), and resident registration certificate (family relations certificate) to the hotel.

The city utilizes hotels as temporary living facilities for families of overseas returnees to prevent secondary infections. The five hotels will provide the 'Peace of Mind Lodging' service to families of overseas returnees in the country until the COVID-19 situation is resolved. When returnees self-quarantine at home and families stay at hotels, infection risk can be blocked and 'complete isolation' achieved.

The 'Peace of Mind Lodging' service is also benefiting the accommodation industry, whose revenues have plummeted significantly since the COVID-19 outbreak. From March 27 through April 16, 171 households with 300 people have booked the Peace of Mind Lodging service.

The city's 'Peace of Mind Lodging' service is spreading nationwide. Many local governments including Gwangju Metropolitan City, Hwaseong, Gwacheon, Seongnam, Paju, Changwon, and Anyang cities, and autonomous districts of Seoul have adopted the Peace of Mind Lodging service.

A city official stated, "We will thoroughly manage asymptomatic overseas returnees to maximize suppression of community infectious disease transmission," and urged, "All overseas returnees must strictly adhere to self-quarantine guidelines even if they are asymptomatic."

The official added, "Families of overseas returnees are requested to use Peace of Mind Lodging and avoid contact until the quarantine period for overseas returnees ends."