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Residents of Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, hang up banners encouraging South Koreans placed in quarantine after returning from Wuhan, China. (photos by Oh Yoon-joo, Cheongju correspondent

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South Korean citizens who were evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan to escape the novel coronavirus spent a comparatively peaceful weekend in their quarantine shelters, a police personnel training center in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, and a public servants training center in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province. Residents of the two areas, as well as groups and government agencies based there, are extending a helping hand and expressing their hope that the Korean returnees will have a peaceful stay and a safe return home.

More people entered the two facilities over the weekend, including six more at the training center in Jincheon early Sunday morning, bringing the total to 520 in Asan and 173 in Jincheon.

“One of the people in the Asan facility was transferred to a hospital after manifesting symptoms, and the rest are in good condition,” said an official from South Chungcheong Province.

“[The individual] exhibited symptoms on the night of Feb. 1 and was transferred to the National Medical Center. Because no contact occurred during their entrance, transportation, or stay at the facility, the infection shouldn’t spread,” said a spokesperson for the task force coordinating the South Korean government’s efforts to control the disease.

A public servants training center in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, where 173 South Koreans repatriated from Wuhan, China, are being held in quarantine.

Most of the people at the facilities are staying by themselves and eating packaged meals that are delivered to them. They have hardly any contact with other people aside from examinations by medical personnel assigned to the facilities who drop by twice a day to check for fever and coughing.

“Most of the people here are spending their time watching TV. I’m told they’re fairly satisfied with the meal service and their overall stay,” said the South Chungcheong Province official.

A banner in front of a public servants training center in Jincheong, North Chungcheong Province, encouraging South Koreans held in quarantine after being repatriated from Wuhan, China.

South and North Chungcheong Provinces, Asan, and Jincheon have set up separate disaster response headquarters to maintain calm in local communities by fumigating the facility entrances and the surrounding area around the clock. South Chungcheong Provincial Governor Yang Seung-jo has set up a temporary office near the police training center as part of his pledge to stand with local residents.

There are indications that more locals are eager to help the Wuhan returnees and pray for their wellbeing. One example is a campaign to hold up signs that say “We are Asan,” which was launched in Asan and has now moved to Jincheon. Encouraging messages include “We are Jincheon and Asan. Have a relaxing time!” and “We are Jincheon and Korea. We’re rooting for your safe return home.”

Jincheon resident Yeon Bang-hui posted a photo of a banner reading, “Wuhan evacuees, welcome to Jincheon!” on social media Other Jincheon residents hung up banners in front of the training center encouraging the returnees to get plenty of rest during their stay in the county.

There’s also been an outpouring of support from companies and other organizations. Two companies based in Asan distributed surgical masks and hand sanitizer to city residents, while two other companies have been sending packed lunches and instant food to Jincheon County. The Korea Appraisal Board is supplying Jincheon residents with masks and other hygiene products, and a disinfection firm in Chungju has agreed to provide complementary sterilization for daycares near the training center in Jincheon where evacuees are being held.

“We are looking for ways to help Wuhan evacuees in concert with NGOs in the Jincheon area. By communicating the warmth of locals to the evacuees, we hope they’ll come back to visit Jincheon after this is all over,” said Yu Jae-yun, head of an alliance of Jincheon citizens’ groups.

By Oh Yoon-joo, Cheongju correspondent

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