"I Plan Not to Attend Church for a While" Citizens Avoid Religious Gatherings Amid 'COVID-19' Spread

COVID-19 Cases Surge from 204 to 229 on the 21st
KCDC: "Transmission Likely via Religious Events or Small Gatherings"
Government: "Stricter Prevention Needed," Urges Active Cooperation from Religious Groups
Experts: "Strict Personal Hygiene Like Mask Wearing and Hand Washing Essential"

Amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, on the morning of the 29th of last month, citizens wearing masks are walking at Gwanghwamun Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "I think it's best not to go to church for the time being."

Office worker A (33) said, "No matter how well the church enforces quarantine measures, if one infected person enters, it ultimately becomes useless."

A said, "There probably aren't people who knowingly visit church after being infected with COVID-19, but there could be cases during the incubation period or asymptomatic cases. Honestly, no one knows when or where they might have come into contact with a confirmed case," adding, "People from different living areas gather in one place for several hours on weekends, so isn't it natural that the risk of infection increases?"

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea reached 433 as of 4 p.m. on the 22nd, a sharp increase from 204 cases at 4 p.m. on the 21st.

As it was revealed that the number of contacts of patient number 31, known to be a member of the Shincheonji Daegu Church, had reached 1,160 by the 20th, public anxiety has grown even more. Some claim that "Shincheonji members infiltrate other churches for proselytizing," causing citizens to express concerns about infection.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing on the 22nd, "The confirmed patients related to the Shincheonji Daegu Church mainly experienced small-scale group outbreaks between the 7th and 10th, with symptoms appearing around the 14th to 18th."

She added, "Cases exposed to infection sources before the 7th went through an incubation period, showing the first wave of the outbreak, and a second wave is estimated to have occurred around the 14th. We believe that limited but continuous transmission occurred within groups through religious events and small gatherings on weekends."

Amid ongoing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, citizens are seen wearing masks and moving around at Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News

Given the situation, some citizens have stated they will refrain from participating in religious activities such as church and cathedral services for the time being, while others have called for the government to ban group religious activities.

B (24), a university student belonging to a youth group at a church in Seoul, said, "Isn't the rapid spread due to the Shincheonji infections? Actually, there are concerns even within the church. Shincheonji members hide their identities and engage in proselytizing, so there might be some in our church as well."

He added, "We used to visit the church frequently on weekdays and be very active, but now everyone says, 'We shouldn't come for a while.' Even if it's not Shincheonji, the church itself is a place where many people gather, so I think that's why. It's unfortunate, but I believe that my own visits could increase the risk of infection, so it can't be helped."

Experts urge people to avoid going out as much as possible and to wear masks even indoors.

Professor Eom Jung-sik of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Gachon University Gil Medical Center appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" on the 19th, saying, "Infection spreads especially when close to a confirmed patient showing respiratory symptoms. When leaving a confined space, wearing a mask and thoroughly practicing personal hygiene such as handwashing is essential."

Meanwhile, Park Yang-woo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited Yoido Full Gospel Church in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd to request active cooperation. Minister Park emphasized the need for stricter prevention measures in facilities where many people gather, saying, "If the religious community cooperates, we can end this situation more quickly. We ask for your continued cooperation."

The religious community announced plans to minimize worship services, masses, and Buddhist ceremonies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yoido Full Gospel Church decided to suspend gatherings except for Sunday and weekday services for the time being. Onnuri Church also announced it would suspend weekday meetings except for Sunday services. The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul plans to minimize gatherings other than Sunday Mass, and the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism recommends wearing masks and reciting prayers during ceremonies.