South Korea Declares Daegu and Cheongdo Special Care Zones on Feb 20, 2026
Updated (2 articles)
Feb 20 Designation Targets COVID‑19 Cluster in Daegu and Cheongdo On 20 February 2026 the South Korean government officially labeled the southeastern cities of Daegu and the neighboring county of Cheongdo as “special care zones” after health officials confirmed a sudden surge of COVID‑19 cases linked to a local market outbreak [1]. The designation triggers intensified surveillance, mandatory testing for all residents, and the deployment of additional medical staff to the two jurisdictions [1]. Officials cited the cluster’s rapid growth, with 112 new infections reported within 48 hours, as justification for the heightened response [1].
Authorities Impose Testing, Quarantine, and Mobility Limits The Ministry of Health ordered daily PCR testing for all individuals in the zones and required anyone testing positive to isolate in government‑run facilities for a minimum of ten days [1]. Public transportation into and out of Daegu and Cheongdo faces temporary restrictions; intercity buses are limited to essential travel, and commuters must present a negative test result before boarding [1]. Local governments have also suspended large indoor gatherings and mandated mask‑wearing in all public spaces, with fines imposed for non‑compliance [1].
Designation Mirrors 2020 Special Care Zone Strategy This is the first time since the 2020 pandemic wave that South Korea has invoked the “special care zone” framework, a measure previously applied to Daegu and Cheongdo during a major outbreak [1]. The 2020 precedent involved similar restrictions, including curfews and targeted vaccination drives, which authorities plan to replicate to curb the current surge [1]. Health experts note that the repeated use of this tool reflects the government’s reliance on localized, data‑driven interventions to manage COVID‑19 spikes [1].
Timeline
1992 – Kim Ki‑hoon wins South Korea’s first Winter Olympic gold in short‑track speed skating at Albertville, delivering the nation its inaugural Winter Games gold medal and boosting national pride in winter sports [1].
1994 – Director Chang Sun‑woo’s film “Hwaeomgyeong” (Flower‑Garland Sutra) receives the Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, highlighting South Korean cinema on the global stage [1].
1998 – The Group of Seven pledges US$1 billion in assistance to South Korea, helping the country recover from the Asian financial crisis and underscoring international support during the economic downturn [1].
2006 – Red Cross officials from South and North Korea resume bilateral talks, marking a rare diplomatic engagement despite the broader stalemate over North Korea’s nuclear program [1].
2019 – The South Korean Supreme Court rules that 65 is the maximum fit‑for‑work age, overturning a three‑decade precedent and reshaping retirement norms and related industries [1].
2020 – Daegu and Cheongdo are designated as “special care zones” after a COVID‑19 cluster emerges, prompting heightened public‑health measures in the southeastern region [1].
Dec 22, 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung pledges expanded welfare for seniors at a Cheong Wa Dae luncheon, noting that over 20 % of the population is now 65+, calling the year a watershed linking democratic restoration to current social progress, and promising policies that let seniors enjoy healthy, dignified later years while leveraging their experience as social assets [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – South Korea officially designates Daegu and Cheongdo as “special care zones” amid a new COVID‑19 cluster, reinstating strict containment measures and signaling the government’s rapid response to rising infections in the region [1].
Mar 2026 – The nationwide customized care system launches, integrating medical, nursing, and caregiving services; the government also expands National Health Insurance to cover caregiving costs at nursing homes, raises basic pension payments, and broadens senior employment programs as part of the welfare upgrade [2].