Cluster Infections Continue in the Capital Area and Now in Busan... Occurring at Ships and Lifelong Education Facilities

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] While new coronavirus infections are occurring mainly in churches in the Seoul metropolitan area, a cluster infection has also occurred in Busan.

On the 11th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), announced this at a briefing held at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in Osong, Chungbuk.

According to the health authorities, as of 12:00 noon on the same day, the number of confirmed cases related to Banseok Church in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province increased by 2, totaling 33. The additional confirmed cases include one church member and one merchant from Namdaemun Market.

The infection within Banseok Church is spreading through Kennedy Arcade in Namdaemun Market to the nearby large shopping complex, Jungang Arcade. Separately, through the City Forest Children's Daycare Center, the infection has been transmitted sequentially to the families of the children and their acquaintances, leading to 'Nth generation transmission.'

Another church in Goyang-si, Gippeum 153 Church, also saw one additional confirmed case, bringing the total to 22. This includes 8 church members, 1 family member or acquaintance, and 13 workplace-related cases. One additional confirmed case was reported in Asan, Chungnam, related to 'Elgol In Bio,' a multi-level marketing company affiliated with the pastor of this church located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Regarding the Lord's Spring Presbyterian Church in Gimpo, 3 more confirmed cases were added on the same day, bringing the cumulative total to 12. At the Euncheon Rehabilitation Nursing Hospital in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 3 more people tested positive, increasing the total confirmed cases to 4.

Multiple confirmed cases were also found in Busan. On the previously identified cluster infection on the ship 'Yeongjin 607,' 4 more crew members in quarantine tested positive, raising the total confirmed cases to 10.

Regarding the adult class at Pukyung Health High School in Saha-gu, Busan, after the index patient was identified on the 9th, 8 more people tested positive consecutively, increasing the total confirmed cases to 9.