Gyeonggi-do: "Virus Detected Even After Disinfection at Bucheon Coupang Logistics Center"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Coronavirus was detected on shared safety helmets and other items even after disinfection at the Coupang logistics center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, raising concerns that disinfection was not properly carried out.

Lee Hee-young, co-leader of the Gyeonggi Province COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, said in a briefing on the COVID-19 situation in Gyeonggi Province on the 29th, "As a result of environmental investigations conducted from 3 p.m. on the 27th at the Bucheon Coupang logistics center's workplace, break rooms, and male and female locker rooms, a total of 67 environmental samples were collected and tested. The virus tested positive on shared safety helmets and on a work PC in the second-floor packing area," adding, "This indicates that the virus was detected even after the company’s disinfection measures following confirmed cases."

Lee added, "In large-scale workplaces, disinfection is difficult due to the wide space and numerous items, so if every residue is not wiped off, the virus may remain. Although it could be dead virus, so we cannot definitively say the risk of transmission is high just because the virus remains, it can be seen that disinfection was insufficient."

Gyeonggi Province issued an administrative order banning gatherings at the facility for two weeks from the 28th of this month to the 10th of next month to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and dispatched a rapid response team to conduct an in-depth epidemiological investigation.

As of noon on the same day, there were 102 confirmed cases related to the Bucheon Coupang logistics center (72 workers and 30 contacts). By region, there were 42 in Gyeonggi, 41 in Incheon, and 19 in Seoul.

The quarantine authorities have placed 4,351 workers and visitors who worked at the logistics center since the 12th under self-quarantine and are conducting mass testing. Currently, tests have been completed for 3,836 people (88.2%), of whom 3,285 tested negative.

Additionally, at the Goyang Coupang logistics center where confirmed cases occurred on the 27th, three drive-through and walk-through screening clinics have been set up, and tests are being conducted on 706 workers. So far, 699 tests have been completed.

Also, at the Gwangju Hyundai Green Food Gyeongin Center, which distributes food ingredients, confirmed cases occurred on the 27th, and tests are being conducted on 277 of the 598 workers.

On the same day, at the Bucheon Jungdong Ubase call center where confirmed cases were reported, mass testing was conducted on 1,860 resident employees, with 1,209 testing negative so far.

Lee said, "After a large-scale exposure at Itaewon clubs earlier this month, sporadic cluster infections have spread through multi-use facilities such as karaoke rooms, pubs, church gatherings, and logistics centers, showing signs of a large-scale resurgence of COVID-19 centered around the metropolitan area," expressing concern that "no one can predict when and where such situations will occur again."

He continued, "To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we all need to remain vigilant," urging, "Please wear masks when going out and strictly follow personal quarantine rules anytime and anywhere, whether at work or at home."

He emphasized, "In workplaces, masks must be worn when using shared indoor spaces such as break rooms and changing rooms, and multiple people should avoid using these spaces together. Also, if two or more people in a family or gathering show symptoms, they should promptly get tested at a public health center to prevent cluster infections."

Meanwhile, as of midnight on the same day, the total cumulative number of confirmed cases in Gyeonggi Province reached 815, an increase of 20 from the previous day. Among the confirmed cases, 649 have been discharged, and 147 are currently isolated and receiving treatment in hospitals and residential treatment centers.