Daegu COVID-19 Cases 209: "Most Linked to Shincheonji"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] In Daegu, where COVID-19 is rapidly spreading, the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 200. Most of the confirmed cases are reported to be related to the Shincheonji Daegu Church. More than 700 church members are unreachable, raising concerns about a large-scale additional outbreak.

According to Daegu City on the 22nd, as of 4 p.m. that day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 83 from 126 cases (as of 4 p.m. the previous day) to 209. Among the confirmed cases were medical personnel, middle school students, daycare teachers, and public officials.

The middle school student who tested positive recently attended worship at the Shincheonji Daegu Church with their parents, and some public officials were identified as Shincheonji members.

Daegu City stated, "It is presumed that most of the additional confirmed cases are related to the Shincheonji Daegu Church," and added, "We have closed the facilities where confirmed cases occurred and are conducting disinfection."

Daegu City secured the list of Shincheonji Daegu Church members and conducted an investigation targeting 9,336 people. Among them, 1,261 members responded that they "suspect symptoms," and 710 members were unreachable.

Daegu City is conducting specimen tests on the 1,261 suspected symptomatic individuals. On the 18th, 17 locations including the Shincheonji Daegu Church, local Shincheonji centers, and gospel rooms were closed.