Daejeon, South Korea – In anticipation of a surge in holiday travel and gatherings, the city of Daejeon has announced a comprehensive set of measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents during the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Heightened Surveillance for Infectious Diseases

To mitigate the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, Daejeon will be operating 24-hour emergency response centers from January 25th to February 2nd. These centers will closely monitor for potential outbreaks of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other contagious illnesses. Additionally, health authorities will be on high alert for foodborne and waterborne diseases. In the event of a disease outbreak, rapid response teams will be deployed to contain the spread.

Enhanced Emergency Medical Services

The city has also implemented a special emergency medical response system, which will be in effect until February 5th. Nine designated emergency medical institutions will have dedicated coordinators to monitor their operations and ensure timely response to medical emergencies. To accommodate increased healthcare needs, over 1,281 medical clinics and 905 pharmacies will be open during the holiday period. Moreover, the five district health centers will provide on-call services.

Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The Daejeon Fire Department will be on heightened alert from January 24th to February 3rd to prevent fires and other emergencies. All fire stations will be fully staffed, and equipment will be kept in optimal condition. To address the anticipated increase in emergency calls, the department will deploy additional personnel to the emergency call center. Residents can also access essential information such as hospital and pharmacy locations through the Daejeon Fire Department's official KakaoTalk channel.

Call for Public Cooperation

"We are committed to ensuring that our residents have a safe and healthy Lunar New Year," said Son Cheol-ung, Commissioner of Daejeon's Physical Education and Health Bureau. "By maintaining a 24-hour response system and providing accessible healthcare services, we aim to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and address any potential emergencies. We urge all residents to practice good personal hygiene and follow preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones."