A Look Inside South Korea's Quarantine Care Package

Here’s What South Korea’s Government Is Including in Their “Care Package”

As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, many governments are taking special measures to ensure that their most vulnerable citizens have what they need. In South Korea, which has been one of few countries to successfully flatten the curve, the government has used a layered approach to protect its citizens. Widespread testing and self-quarantine are two measures the government has used to combat the spread of COVID-19. Imgur user Uvzxkwq recently posted what South Koreans are receiving when they're asked to go into self-quarantine, which may explain why they've been so successful.

This government “care package” doesn't just include masks and hand sanitizer, but essential provisions that ensure these citizens won't need to leave home. This includes a good share of fruits and veggies that will help those stuck at home get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. By delivering these items straight to their citizens' doors, the government is giving them less reason to be tempted to leave home and stock up on supplies.

Additionally, each care package comes with specific instructions for waste disposal. According to Uvzxkwq, the instructions read: “Garbage disposal instructions for people without ‘Corona-19' symptoms; After filling up the garbage disposal bag provided, please keep it and use the anti-virus spray to disinfect the bag (at least once a day). Only fill up 75% of the bag, tie it tightly, and use the spray to disinfect it. You should keep the bag until the end of quarantine and call the number provided and they will dispose of it for you. 2. Instructions for when you’re showing symptoms of the virus; do the same as #1 and after filling up the bag please contact the number provided. 3. Instructions for people who were diagnosed with the ‘corona-19 virus'; do the same as #1 and call the number provided.”

Lastly, the package comes with a note encouraging those who are in self-quarantine. It reads: “Hello, For people who are currently suffering from the Covid-19 virus, we send our regards and sympathy. We (the food ministry?) are sending this ‘environmentally friendly health package' constructed with environmentally friendly crops. We hope this helps you get energy for your daily routine. Furthermore, we hope you get well soon to return to your daily life. You can do it! Fight it! Go South Korea!”

This encouragement and appeal to civic duty is just part of what's made South Korea so successful in combatting the virus. In addition to tracking the movement of people who have come into contact with those who have contracted the virus, caseworkers are assigned to anyone in self-quarantine. Those caseworkers check in twice a day by phone to help track symptoms and, presumably, give encouragement.