[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As of 12 PM on the 5th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced that the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) related to 'Gwangneuksa,' a temple in the Gwangju area, has increased by 13, bringing the total to 80.
Among the 13 newly confirmed cases, 4 are related to the Geumyang Building (officetel), and 9 are members of Gwangju Ilgok Joongang Church. The health authorities previously estimated that a cluster infection occurred after visitors to Gwangneuksa visited the Geumyang Building, and subsequent infections spread through various gatherings and facilities visited by those who went to this building. Ilgok Joongang Church has also been reclassified as a case related to Gwangneuksa.
A CDCH official explained, "After investigating the cases related to Gwangju Ilgok Joongang Church, an epidemiological link was confirmed between the initially identified patient within the church and visitors to the Geumyang Building, so it was reclassified as related to Gwangneuksa." Accordingly, seven facilities and gatherings have been grouped as Gwangneuksa cluster infection cases: Gwangneuksa (12 people), Geumyang Building (22 people), Jeju travelers' gathering (5 people), Gwangju Sarang Church (15 people), CCC Agape Silver Center (7 people), Hanul Nursing Home (5 people), and Gwangju Ilgok Joongang Church (14 people).
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