Ganghwa County Urges Observance of Daily Quarantine Guidelines

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Ganghwa County has urged residents to continue observing daily quarantine measures as concerns grow over COVID-19 spreading into the community, following recent cases of cluster infections stemming from Itaewon clubs.

On the 13th, eight cases of cluster infection involving middle and high school students, parents, and academy instructors were reported in Michuhol-gu and Yeonsu-gu in Incheon Metropolitan City. The infections were traced to Incheon's 102nd confirmed patient, who visited clubs and pojangmacha (street food tents) in Itaewon, Seoul from May 2nd to 3rd. Additionally, some confirmed patients attended religious gatherings, raising concerns about community transmission.

In response, the county recommended the suspension of operations and requested compliance with quarantine rules from academies, noraebang establishments, and small bars within the jurisdiction. It also urged residents to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines during religious gatherings and other various meetings.

The county plans to strictly follow quarantine guidelines by requiring visitor logs to be filled out and masks to be worn at all public facilities as a condition for entry.

Ganghwa County Governor Yu Cheon-ho stated, "I understand you must be tired and exhausted from social distancing that has been in place since February, but if infected, those closest to you will suffer greater harm." He added, "Do not let your guard down and please follow the social distancing guidelines in daily life."

The five basic personal quarantine rules are: ▲Stay home for 3-4 days if sick ▲Maintain an arm's length distance between people ▲Wash hands for 30 seconds; cover coughs with your sleeve ▲Ventilate at least twice daily and periodically disinfect ▲Though distance grows between us, our hearts remain close.

For elderly residents aged 65 and over and high-risk groups, it is important to observe the following: ▲Do not forget to take chronic disease medication ▲Stay at home ▲Contact a health center and visit a screening clinic when ill ▲Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated places where maintaining 2-meter distance is difficult when going out ▲Frequently contact family members and close ones.