Self-quarantined but went out daily
Incheon church member hid movements causing confusion
Omitted from Shincheonji's submitted list
"Attended worship at Daegu church"
Busan church member confirmed by own statement
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji), which has been identified as the main culprit in the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is embroiled in allegations of concealing COVID-19 related information. Criticism is growing as confirmed Shincheonji members hid their movement paths, causing confusion for quarantine authorities, and there are signs of omissions in the Shincheonji member lists.
According to Incheon City on the 5th, a Chinese national and Shincheonji believer, Mr. A (48), was recently confirmed positive for COVID-19. Mr. A stated to the quarantine authorities that he had self-isolated at his home in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon from February 16 to March 2. However, epidemiological investigations revealed that except for two days, he went out daily during the period he claimed to be self-isolating. Mr. A attended a gathering at the Shincheonji Gwacheon Church in Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province on February 16 and went to the skin care shop he operates for 11 days. On February 18, he was seen at Daerim Station, Daerim Traditional Market, and Bupyeong-gu Office Station. He also visited hospitals and pharmacies afterward, and even after receiving a COVID-19 test at the Bupyeong-gu Health Center screening clinic on March 2, he frequented a butcher shop and the skin care shop. Mr. A is currently receiving treatment in an isolation ward at Incheon Medical Center.
In Busan, Mr. B (25), who was confirmed positive, was revealed to be a Shincheonji member only belatedly. Mr. B was not identified as a Shincheonji member until his own statement. This was because he was omitted from the list of members submitted by Shincheonji to Busan City. Busan City stated that Mr. B testified during the epidemiological investigation that "he attended a Shincheonji Daegu Church service on February 18."
This suspicion of omission from the member list directly contradicts the promise made by Lee Man-hee, the Shincheonji General Pastor, at a press conference held on the 2nd to actively cooperate with health authorities. At that time, Pastor Lee said, "The government authorities have made their best efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we are also actively cooperating," adding, "Shincheonji will fully cooperate with government policies and provide the complete list of all Shincheonji believers."
Meanwhile, on February 28, the Shincheonji Daegu Church submitted a list to Daegu City that omitted seven foreigners, including Chinese nationals, sparking controversy. In particular, the omission of foreigners from China, the epicenter of COVID-19, was pointed out as a serious negligence.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
