IDHOSPITAL

Coronavirus in Korea: March 2020 updates 

Overview

Even though the coronavirus pandemic is spreading internationally, the current situation of coronavirus in Korea is getting more stable every week.

According to the Central Accident Investigation Headquarter of Korea  the number of new confirmed cases in Korea is decreasing, whereas the daily number of people released from quarantine is almost twice higher. Korea shows the least number of confirmed cases on the last week, comparing to other countries with major outbreaks. The main reasons of this positive dynamic are active countermeasures of the Korean government.

Easy and fast COVID-19 test

Coronavirus testing widely available for both Koreans and foreigners residing in Korea. The network of 96 laboratories across the country is proceeding thousands of tests daily in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Korea. The current number of tests performed is 338 036 as of March 23, 2020.

Anyone with or without symptoms has an easy access to the Covid-19 test. In case the virus test is positive, the government covers the expenses for medical examination and treatments. The test is also free if it is prescribed by a doctor according to the symptoms no matter if the result would be positive or negative.

There are various ways for getting sampled, including less risky and faster drive-thru clinic way. It can reduce the burden on hospitals and reduce risk for health workers. The examination is conducting patient’s health questionnaire, fever check and sample through the window while still being present in the car. The time period of the test has also been shorted from 1 hour to only 10 minutes.
These measures have put a huge impact on controlling the coronavirus epidemic inside the country and stabilizing the situation. The World Health Organization chose Korea for best practices in response to Covid-19.

Online map of COVID-19 patients

Another factor that played a huge role in a current positive change is is that the government is making information public. For example, the GPS locations of people confirmed for COVID-19 is available on an app or Coronamap website so that others can avoid those areas. As questionable as that may be from a privacy standpoint, it may help people feel informed and in control of their health.

Social distancing

South Korea has also been practicing social distancing to try to stem an increase in cases. With a population of about 51 million people, they’ve closed schools and offices and canceled large gatherings. There are thermal imaging cameras at entrances to buildings and people in costume in public spaces reminding others to wash their hands, according to BBC.

COVID-19 countermeasures in ID Hospital

From the early days of the outbreak, ID hospital has been managing every visitor’s safety through all stages from reservation to checkups before walking into the hospital to ensure the safety.

We have implemented thorough disinfection and management of the entire hospital, shuttle bus and hotel.
The regular disinfection of the hospital’s building is being held on each floor’s lobby, consultation and medical rooms, ID Hospital dermatology building and ID Hospital dental clinic. The shuttle bus used for pick up / drop off of our visitors is disinfected before and after each passenger. Also the hand antiseptic before the boarding is provided for free. As for the designated hotel, the hotel lobby, corridors and guest rooms are disinfected on a regular basis. Each hotel’s guest is getting temperature and fever check. ID Hospital has also implemented an entry check system, which includes obligatory hand disinfection, temperature check with thermal sensing camera and infrared thermometer. Entry sticker is attached after all procedures are completed.

We do our best to create a secure medical environment for each and every of our patients.

Feel safe when visiting us!