[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The quarantine authorities stated that regarding the case of a family in Gimpo who tested positive again after recovering from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "the possibility of reactivation is higher than the probability of reinfection."
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters for COVID-19, said at a regular briefing on the afternoon of the 30th, "Considering the time period, the Gimpo family is more likely to have experienced 'reactivation' rather than reinfection."
Regarding claims from some quarters that "the possibility of diagnostic error should be thoroughly examined," Director Jung also drew a line, saying, "When the Gimpo family was confirmed positive again, we reviewed where the tests were conducted, the testing institutions, and the test details, and it seems difficult to consider it an error in testing."
The family of three living in Gimpo, including a 17-month-old girl and her parents in their 30s, were all COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized and treated, then discharged, but after symptoms recurred, they tested positive again on the 27th. In addition to them, more than 10 cases of re-positive tests after discharge have been reported in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province; Yecheon, Gyeongbuk; Daegu; and Ulsan.
Because of this, there are also calls to change the criteria for "release from isolation," which determines when a patient is considered fully recovered. Director Jung said, "Experts recommend that measures equivalent to isolation are necessary up to three weeks after onset," adding, "We are reviewing the cases again and currently considering whether to change the guidelines."
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