[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As COVID-19 rapidly spreads centered around church small gatherings in the Seoul metropolitan area including Gyeonggi and Incheon, deaths have also occurred.
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the 1st, "Transmission through religious events has significantly increased," adding, "Many confirmed cases emerged as multiple religious facilities were simultaneously exposed through pastor meetings, university student Bible study groups, and choir activities."
According to the Disease Control Headquarters, there have been a total of six cases of COVID-19 confirmed through religious events or gatherings since May this year. In Incheon, 21 people were confirmed at 11 churches, and in Gyeonggi, 2 people were confirmed at 2 churches. Specifically, the cases are ▲14 related to the Woneo Bible Study Group ▲11 related to Dongin Church in Gangnam-gu ▲8 related to the Korea University Student Mission ▲9 related to the Anyang Gunpo pastor meeting ▲23 related to the Incheon Gyeonggi pioneering church meeting ▲9 related to Gumi Elim Church.
Among the believers confirmed positive related to religious gatherings, one person died from COVID-19 and one is in critical condition. The deceased was a man in his 70s who was confirmed positive related to the Woneo Bible Study Group. This patient, a man in his 70s, developed symptoms on May 16, was confirmed positive on May 20, and died during treatment on the 24th.
Head Jung said, "Infections are spreading as family members and believers get infected, followed by transmission through their families and workplaces," and urged, "Please refrain from face-to-face meetings and switch to non-face-to-face methods until the COVID-19 risk becomes safe."
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