Suwon to Conduct Preemptive PCR Testing for Public Bathhouse Workers

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jeong Jun-seong] Suwon City announced on the 21st that it is conducting COVID-19 PCR testing (sample collection using swabs in the mouth and nose) for public bathhouse operators and workers from the 17th through the 24th.

To this end, the city has sent text messages to 64 public bathhouse operators in the area, recommending PCR diagnostic testing for all workers, and the Korean Public Bathhouse Association Suwon Branch has also encouraged operators to undergo testing.

Public bathhouse workers can receive diagnostic testing at temporary screening clinics set up at Suwon Station Plaza and the four district health centers.

In addition, since the 16th, the city has visited all bathhouse establishments to provide guidance and conduct inspections on PCR diagnostic testing status and compliance with quarantine measures, and has been providing masks and hand sanitizers.

The city advises workers to ▲refrain from using monthly-basis passes ▲install and use digital entry logs and manage visitor records ▲continue wearing masks outside bathrooms and steam rooms ▲prohibit bathhouse attendants from conversing with customers inside the bathhouse ▲halt operations after 10 p.m. (until 5 a.m. the next morning).

The city plans to continue inspecting compliance with quarantine measures at bathhouse establishments and will take strong administrative measures, including imposing fines, against establishments in violation.

An official from the city's Public Health Policy Division said, "As cluster infections at public bathhouses have recently occurred in other regions, public concerns are growing," and added, "We will proactively conduct diagnostic testing on workers and strengthen inspections on compliance with quarantine measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases."