Authorities: "40 Student Community Infections in May... 70% Family Transmission and Academy Infections" (Update)

As sporadic cases of the novel coronavirus infection continue to occur, starting today, 1st-year high school students, 2nd-year middle school students, and 3rd to 4th-grade elementary school students have additionally begun their commute to school. On the 3rd, students are seen heading to school at Wolgok Elementary School in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Last month, among the reported suspected cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the number of cases involving students aged 18 and under reached 50,000.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters for COVID-19, a total of 48,889 reports were received last month from the school-age group (ages 3 to 18). Those aged 16 to 18, corresponding to high school students, accounted for more than half with 27,862 cases. Among them, 70 tested positive, resulting in a positivity rate of 0.14%.

Excluding 18 cases classified as imported and 12 cases of 18-year-olds who are working adults or university students, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among elementary, middle, and high school students was identified as 40. Looking in detail at the infection routes of student patients at the community level, transmission among family members and infections related to private academies, tutoring centers, and private lessons each accounted for 14 cases, the highest numbers. Four individuals were infected after using multi-use facilities.

Additionally, there were 3 cases linked to coin karaoke rooms, and 1 case each linked to PC bangs and churches. There was also 1 case each of infection from friends and neighbors. Approximately 5 patients’ infection routes have yet to be identified. Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the briefing that "Although there has been no transmission within schools yet, monitoring of contacts during the incubation period is currently underway," and added, "As in-person classes expand, efforts to monitor COVID-19 and prevent transmission within schools continue."