○ Income loss compensation for vulnerable workers taking sick leave for early COVID-19 testing
– Applications accepted from February 1 to December 10; payment of KRW 230,000 in local currency per individual
○ Recipients include part-time laborers, day laborers, workers in special employment categories, and care workers who work less than 40 hours a week
– Relaxation of payment conditions to include all symptomatic and asymptomatic vulnerable workers who are tested
– Support range extended to all non-Koreans registered and residing in Gyeonggi Province including Koreans with foreign citizenship

This year, Gyeonggi Province will provide income loss compensation of KRW 230,000 per individual for sick leave taken by vulnerable workers so as to allow these individuals to be tested for COVID-19 without concern for their livelihoods.

Gyeonggi Province’s income loss compensation for vulnerable worker sick leave is part of the province’s protective measures for laborers that were initiated last year. It allows day laborers and vulnerable workers in the province to be safely tested for COVID-19 without concern for their livelihoods.

Eligible support recipients include workers in vulnerable groups in the province, such as part-time laborers, day laborers, workers in special employment categories, and care workers who work less than 40 hours a week, who were tested for COVID-19 and engaged in self-quarantine until receiving notification of the test results.

Unlike last year, all symptomatic and asymptomatic vulnerable workers who undergo testing are eligible for the support in accordance with the government’s stance regarding the enforcement of extended testing for COVID-19. This was initiated to reinforce measures to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable workers as well as to prevent the emergence of infection clusters.

The range of eligible non-Koreans has also increased. Last year, support was limited to permanent residents and marriage immigrants, but this year, all registered non-Koreans who reside in Gyeonggi Province can apply for the support, including Koreans of foreign citizenship.

The application period runs from February 1 to December 10. Applications can be submitted via email, post or on-site visit with the required documents (application form, copy of ID, letters regarding fulfillment of self-quarantine and compensation fraud, proof of qualification, etc.).

Non-Koreans can apply after receiving negative test results from a community health center or screening clinic.

Online applications are encouraged so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Payments will be made via local currency or a pre-paid card after evaluation of the required documents.

Kim Gyu-sik, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Labor Bureau, said, “Despite tests being available for free when the social distancing level is 2 or higher, day laborers and vulnerable workers whose livelihoods depend on daily wages cannot leave their workplaces to get tested. Through this system, we will enable vulnerable workers to be tested promptly and resolve the problem of blind spots in the prevention network.”

Through a social networking site last June, Governor Lee stated, “Vulnerable workers cannot take a break when they are ill, cannot stop even when exposed to dangers, and must work even two or three jobs.” He added, “Although bold preventive measures are crucial, we will look after the most vulnerable individuals and affected locations together with the thirty-one cities and counties of the province.”

More information about the support program can be obtained by contacting the Gyeonggi Province Call Center (031-120) or city/county offices.