[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Young-wook] Pohang City, Gyeongbuk announced on the 28th that two individuals, A (25) and B (32), residing in Buk-gu, tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the afternoon of the 27th. This brings the total confirmed cases in the Pohang area to 18.
It was identified that A attended a service at the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu on the 16th, while B, according to the city's epidemiological investigation so far, has no connection to Shincheonji and no history of overseas travel. Additional in-depth epidemiological investigations are underway.
A is understood to have attended the Daegu Shincheonji Church service on the 16th, stayed in Daegu, and then came to Pohang on the 20th. A had been notified by Daegu City to self-quarantine and was confirmed to have stayed at home from the 20th until symptoms appeared on the 26th.
After symptoms appeared on the 26th, A visited the Buk-gu Public Health Center for testing and was confirmed positive on the afternoon of the 27th. A stated to the city that symptoms of body aches began on the 15th.
B, an office worker, was on leave and stayed at home from the 24th to the 25th. Symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough appeared from the afternoon of the 25th, and after specimen collection at the Buk-gu Public Health Center screening clinic, B was confirmed positive on the afternoon of the 27th.
The city is currently enforcing self-quarantine for A and one family member, B and three family members, and confirmed contacts until hospital assignments are made. The places visited by the confirmed cases have been thoroughly disinfected and facilities closed.
In addition to concentrated disinfection in the residences of the confirmed cases and nearby areas, in-depth epidemiological investigations and further contact tracing are ongoing.
Hwang Byung-gi, Director of the Construction and Urban Bureau of Pohang City, said, "As COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to increase, all kinds of gatherings and events should be refrained from or canceled, and personal hygiene rules must be strictly followed." He added, "Pohang Medical Center has been designated as an infectious disease-dedicated hospital, securing beds to do its best to prevent the spread of COVID-19."
In Gumi, one additional COVID-19 case was confirmed on the same day, bringing the total confirmed cases in the Gumi area to 11.
The additional confirmed case is A (38), unemployed, living alone in Imundong Neutinamu (one-room), and is known not to be a Shincheonji member.
A moved from Daegu to Gumi on the 22nd by his girlfriend’s car, stopped by Sushi Sodam in Sangmo-dong, and then returned home.
On the 23rd, A visited OK Point Mart in Imundong, and on the 24th, used a bicycle to visit Good Morning Family Medicine Clinic in Imundong, Imun Hana Pharmacy, Bbeokeun Cheongjin Donghaejangguk Gumi Sangmo Branch, CU Gumi Imo Branch, and Ige PC Bang in Imo-dong.
On the 25th, A took a taxi to the Gumi Public Health Center screening clinic for a COVID-19 test and entered self-quarantine after returning home.
Health authorities are investigating the infection route after identifying that A’s girlfriend’s younger sibling was confirmed positive.
In Gimcheon, the fourth COVID-19 confirmed case occurred. A (28, female) residing in Pyeonghwa-dong.
The city plans to confirm A’s movement routes and proceed with disinfection. A Gimcheon city official said, "As additional confirmed cases increase in the community, we will respond more strongly and disclose movement information as soon as it is confirmed."
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