20s COVID-19 Patient Returning from the US... Violated 'Stay-at-Home' Advisory and Visited Other Regions

Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport are exiting the gate. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] A man in his 20s who recently returned from the United States was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Jungnang-gu, Seoul. It has been revealed that he did not follow the district's recommendation to 'refrain from outdoor activities' and used public transportation to travel to other areas, sparking expected controversy.

On the afternoon of the 26th, Jungnang-gu announced that a 21-year-old man who had been to the United States tested positive in a diagnostic test that day and was admitted to the Taereung Living Treatment Center. This man, the 11th confirmed case in the district, resides in Myeonmokbon-dong. He returned from the United States on the afternoon of the 24th and underwent a diagnostic test at the Seoul Medical Center screening clinic on the morning of the 25th. Afterwards, he traveled by subway to Myeonmok Station, Konkuk University Station, and Sinchon Station, and was found to have been active near Sinchon Station. That night, he also visited an acquaintance's house in Myeonmokbon-dong.

Jungnang-gu conducted disinfection and quarantine measures at the patient's residence and visited establishments, and notified the relevant district offices of other districts confirmed in his movement path. Additionally, through the announcement, residents who used Myeonmok Station at 2:43 p.m. and around 8 p.m. on the 25th and who have symptoms such as fever or cough were urged to immediately contact the Jungnang-gu Public Health Center.

Jungnang-gu stated, "The district office and screening clinic strongly advised and conveyed the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency guidelines that those subject to testing must return home immediately after specimen collection and refrain from outdoor activities." They added, "We deeply regret that some confirmed patients violated this." Furthermore, they said, "We will take measures to ensure that those in self-quarantine strictly comply with the guidelines to prevent such incidents from recurring."