Strong Government-Level Restrictions Needed on Entertainment Establishment Operations
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] A male celebrity in his 30s who recently traveled to Japan has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Following this, two women working at entertainment establishments who had contact with him have also tested positive, causing significant social repercussions. Experts have expressed concerns about the possibility of a large-scale outbreak due to overseas importation.
On the 8th, Professor Lee Jaegab of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital stated in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show,' "This is the most worrisome situation where the link between imported cases from abroad and domestic cluster infections has been connected," adding, "Imported cases entering before self-quarantine continue to spread infections within the local community."
Professor Lee explained, "During the peak of community infections, quite a few patients were reported in small karaoke rooms," and added, "This incident occurred in a large establishment with about 40 rooms. If the female employee who tested positive served multiple rooms without wearing a mask while symptomatic, a large-scale infection could have occurred inside."
He also expressed concerns about difficulties in epidemiological investigations. He said, "The female employee who tested positive concealed her occupation, which made the epidemiological investigation challenging," and added, "There is a possibility that the membership list provided by the entertainment establishment may not be accurate, and it might not be clear who actually visited at that time."
He continued, "The biggest problem with cluster outbreaks in the metropolitan area is not just that the outbreak ends within that group, but that it can cause other cluster outbreaks elsewhere," emphasizing, "Thorough management is necessary to prevent such situations from occurring again."
In response to a question about whether stricter management of entertainment establishments' operations is needed, Professor Lee said, "High-intensity social distancing measures recommend that clubs and other entertainment venues close temporarily, but since this involves business rights, it cannot be enforced," and stressed, "However, because it is difficult for entertainment establishments to properly follow infectious disease prevention guidelines, the government should consider strong measures such as business restrictions."
Meanwhile, it was confirmed on the 7th that employee A at an entertainment establishment in Gangnam worked for nine hours from 8 p.m. on the 27th of last month to 5 a.m. on the 28th, two days before symptoms appeared.
The establishment where A worked is a large building with eight floors and 40 rooms spread over two basement levels. It is known as the largest in Gangnam, employing about 100 female employees. The building also houses lodging facilities, and the elevator is accessible to all building occupants.
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