[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Cluster infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originating from religious facilities are spreading. Confirmed cases related to churches in the metropolitan area and temples in Gwangju appear to be transmitting through family and workplace contacts.
On the 30th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "As of 12 PM today, three new infections related to Wangseong Church in Gwanak-gu, Seoul have been confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 31." Among the 31 confirmed cases related to Wangseong Church, 26 are church members. By region, there are 24 in Seoul and 7 in Gyeonggi Province.
Regarding the Central Baptist Church congregation meeting in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, one additional case was confirmed, increasing the total to 8. One more confirmed case was added related to Juyounggwang Church in Manan-gu, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, bringing the total to 23. Deputy Director Kwon explained, "Testing is underway for 130 additional contacts in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, where the confirmed patient's workplace is located."
The cumulative number of confirmed cases related to Gwangnyeoksa Temple in Gwangju is also 14. This is due to two additional confirmed cases among contacts on this day. Of the 14, 8 are visitors and 6 are contacts. By region, there are 9 in Gwangju, 3 in Jeonnam, 1 in Gyeonggi, and 1 in Jeonbuk.
As confirmed cases in their 20s and 30s related to various religious gatherings increase, the proportion of elderly people aged 60 and over among confirmed cases from the 21st to the 27th dropped by 6.2 percentage points from the previous week to 25.7%. Accordingly, the fatality rate was adjusted downward to 2.20%.
Deputy Director Kwon warned, "It has been confirmed that infections occurring through religious activities and gatherings are rapidly spreading to various groups such as vulnerable group living facilities, causing rapid community transmission. If infections related to religious facilities continue to occur, we will have no choice but to consider compulsory measures."
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