DAEGU'S CASE IN OVERCOMING COVID-19

[Anchor Lead]

The city of Daegu was the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea. Initial hateful and discriminatory remarks in Daegu citizens' address have gradually turned into the messages of solidarity and cooperation. Here's more on how Daegu residents were able to overcome the crisis.

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​After the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the city of Daegu on February 18, hundreds of new cases were detected daily. The explosion of coronavirus cases in the city prompted some to dub the virus "Daegu pneumonia," and the Internet was full of hateful and discriminatory remarks in Daegu citizens' address. Even politicians demanded that Daegu be placed under lockdown.

[Soundbite] HONG IK-PYO(FMR. DEMOCRATIC PARTY SPOKESPERSON(FEB. 25)) : "The strongest lockdown measures must be imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19 as soon as possible."

Such derogatory remarks caused a lot of emotional suffering to Daegu residents.

[Soundbite] KIM YU-NA, NAM SEON-HEE(DAEGU RESIDENTS) : "Because Daegu was the epicenter of COVID-19, there were rumors that you could contract the virus just by visiting the city."

However, most of the people did not turn away from Daegu. The hashtagged phrase "Stay strong, Daegu" went viral on social media, offering solace and support to the citizens of Daegu. Charity funds and humanitarian aid sent to the city surpassed more than 80 billion won. Concerns about a possible collapse of the city's health care system turned out to be groundless. Some 170 ambulances, or 10 percent of all ambulances in the nation, flocked to Daegu, while more than two thousand medical professionals volunteered to treat COVID-19 patients in the city.

[Soundbite] LEE EUN-KYUNG(NURSE(MAR. 5)) : "I hesitated at first, but I decided to go there after discussing it with my family, as there were few volunteers."

Daegu has been able to beat the outbreak thanks to the support and encouragement pouring in from across the nation.

[Soundbite] KIM SHIN-WOO(PROF., KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL) : "It made me realize that Korea is a truly advanced country. We've been coping with the crisis well. It's very rewarding."

The mature civic consciousness of the Korean public has changed hatred and discrimination to solidarity and cooperation, and continues to play a crucial role in the nation's fight against the virus.