Suwon City Produces and Distributes 'Action Guidelines When Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms'

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Seo Dong-young] Amid small-scale cluster infections occurring at nursing homes and childcare facilities, Suwon City announced on the 1st that it has produced and distributed promotional materials titled 'Never Go to Work (School) Under These Circumstances!' informing citizens of major COVID-19 symptoms and action guidelines when symptoms appear.

Major COVID-19 symptoms include ▲loss of taste ▲difficulty smelling ▲fever (feeling feverish) ▲cough ▲phlegm ▲runny nose ▲nasal congestion ▲headache ▲muscle pain ▲sore throat ▲chills ▲throat irritation ▲fatigue ▲lethargy.

If any one of the 14 symptoms is present, one must absolutely not go to work or school. Additionally, before going to a hospital or pharmacy, one should first call the local health center to make an appointment, then receive a COVID-19 test at a designated screening clinic.

Those who have undergone diagnostic testing at a designated screening clinic must practice 'social distancing' equivalent to self-quarantine until test results are released. They should not meet anyone, including family members, should wear a mask even at home, and should eat separately from family members. Bathrooms and household items should also be used separately.

The city has produced 150,000 copies of promotional materials containing these guidelines and is distributing them to daycare and kindergarten teachers and students, nursing home workers, transport workers, religious facilities, nursing hospitals and designated screening clinics, public officials, and each dong administrative welfare center.

'COVID-19 Home Prevention Guidelines' are also included. These include ▲refraining from outings and gatherings, and having all family members wash their hands frequently ▲daily observation of symptoms ▲testing at a designated screening clinic if suspicious symptoms appear ▲wearing a mask when meeting people outside the family ▲ventilating the home at least three times a day.

A city official said, "We urge those who work at infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes and nursing hospitals, those aged 65 and above, patients, and their families to be cautious about meeting and contacting outsiders."

Suwon Mayor Yim Tae-young said, "If you experience symptoms related to COVID-19, please put everything else aside and get a diagnostic test," and "Going to work or school or hagwon (private academy) can become a link in the spread of infection." He further emphasized, "People with symptoms must avoid contact not only with acquaintances and colleagues but also with family members."