Emergency Response Team Activated to Protect Vulnerable Groups Amid Ongoing Heatwave

The government has established an emergency response team to address the prolonged and record-breaking heatwave, focusing on protecting vulnerable populations. Although temperatures eased somewhat over the weekend, heat advisories remain in effect, prompting officials to implement a rigorous, on-the-ground response system.
 
The Ministry of Health and Welfare convened the first meeting of the 'Heatwave Response Emergency Headquarters' at 8:30 a.m. on August 10, led by Deputy Minister Hyun Soo-yeop. The team will closely monitor the situation and maximize protection for vulnerable groups by dividing into three specialized response teams.
 
The first team, led by the Director of Social Welfare Policy, is focused on protecting at-risk populations, including the homeless, residents of goshiwons (small, inexpensive rooms), and those at risk of solitary deaths. They are conducting daily patrols for the homeless three times a day and checking on goshiwon residents once daily. The team is also assessing the operation of cooling centers and support for air conditioning and electricity costs. Additionally, they plan to utilize honorary social workers and maintain a constant hotline with local governments to identify households in crisis due to the heat.
 
The second team, led by the Director of Population and Social Services Policy, is dedicated to protecting the elderly and disabled. They are checking on elderly individuals living alone through home care workers and assessing the distribution of nutritional meals and summer supplies. Notably, outdoor activities for elderly job seekers have been suspended during peak heat hours, and the team will enhance monitoring of senior centers, dementia care centers, and facilities providing services to people with disabilities.
 
The third team, led by the Director of Essential Public Health Services, is reviewing the operation of the disease control agency's emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses and the status of health management services at public health centers. Based on the analysis of emergency room data, the team will continue to implement focused protective measures for those aged 80 and older, who are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, while also identifying effective policy improvements through on-site visits to health centers.
 
Deputy Minister Hyun stated, "We will not let our guard down for a moment until the heatwave situation is completely over, and we will do our utmost to ensure that vulnerable groups do not suffer. We will strengthen cooperation with local governments and relevant agencies to ensure that our heatwave response measures are effective."