At the request of the World Bank, Korea on March 23 released a comprehensive package on its experience in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. This photo shows Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki on March 23 taking part in a video conference at Government Complex-Seoul with the finance ministers and central bank governors from the G-20 group of leading economies. (Ministry of Economy and Finance)

By Kim Minji

The Ministry of Economy and Finance on March 26 said that at the request of the World Bank, it released a comprehensive guide on Korea's experience in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and related economic measures.

Makhtar Diop, the World Bank's vice president for infrastructure, on March 25 sent a letter to Korea asking to share the nation's experience with developing countries in responding to the virus based on information and communications technology (ICT). "Digital technology will play a big role in responding to COVID-19," he said.

The ministry also asked the World Bank to share Korea's experience with developing countries and that it hopes to cooperate with member nations who ask for it.

Titled "Tackling COVID-19," the 34-page guide covers three topics: the COVID-19 situation in Korea, health and quarantine measures and economic and financial actions.

The guide has analysis of the distribution of confirmed cases by gender and region and the responses of the central and local governments to the outbreak in detail, like that by the Central Disease Control Headquarters. It covers Korea's responses to confirmed and potential cases of infection including special entry procedures at ports of entry, the use of self-diagnostic apps, fast testing via drive-through screening clinics and isolation facilities. 

The guide also goes over economic measures like an emergency relief fund for affected small and medium businesses and a temporary currency swap conducted by the central Bank of Korea with the U.S.

The ministry added that it will cooperate with the World Bank to send more guides to developing countries, as the guide covers a range of topics from health care and hygiene to disease prevention via ICT.

Click below for the full text.

Tackling COVID-19

kimmj7725@korea.kr