Osong Public Health Res Perspect.  2020 Dec;11(6):380-382. 10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.6.06.

Operating a National Hotline in Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Song R
• Choi YS
• Ko JY

• KMID: 2509659
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.6.06

Abstract

The importance of effective communication cannot be overestimated during a pandemic. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency national 1339 hotline has been in operation since the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreak in 2016. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and provides accurate, reliable information based upon the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency guidelines in response to queries. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the 1339 hotline received callers’ questions about symptoms and the implications of their actions regarding the epidemic. Through the 1339 hotline, callers received the upto-date information that enabled them to protect themselves as well as others from COVID-19. This public service may have influenced on reduced risk of virus transmission in Korea.

Keyword

communication; coronavirus disease-19; COVID-19; hotline