Expert: "Briefings and gatherings are the fundamental cause... Should be avoided if possible"
The scene of the Dongchunghacho business briefing hall in Buk-gu, Daegu, where 15 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were reported / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] At a business briefing in Daegu, where 26 out of 27 attendees were diagnosed with COVID-19, the only attendee who tested negative, Jung Gyu-jin, stated, "I think the (cluster infection) occurred because masks were taken off during the refreshments."
In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 17th, Jung said, "Only the lecturer did not wear a mask, and everyone else wore masks. I did not see anyone wearing a 'mask under the chin' while listening to the lecture," he said.
He explained his reason for attending the business briefing, saying, "I originally worked in construction, but due to the recent recession, it was difficult. I heard there was a good Cordyceps business briefing, so I attended for my livelihood."
He continued, "After seeing through the media how scary COVID-19 is and wanting to be cautious, I wore a KF94 mask and went. It was a confined underground space, so I sanitized my hands and sat down to listen to the lecture," adding, "After about three hours, the lecture ended, and I was outside. They said, 'There is watermelon, come and eat it,' he explained the situation at the time.
He added, "When going down, if there is food, people feel the urge and naturally have to take off their masks. Since it was underground with many people, I did not go down," and "I believe the mask saved me from COVID-19."
Professor Cheon Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital, who appeared on the same radio show, said, "It was a confined underground space, and since it was summer, I think there was air conditioning," and pointed out, "The fact that everyone except one person was infected in a short time strongly suggests the possibility of airborne transmission."
Professor Cheon emphasized, "The fundamental cause is that business briefings or small gatherings are problematic," adding, "Many people do not just listen but also eat refreshments or always have something to eat. Because it is uncomfortable, there are definitely times when masks are lowered. So, the fundamental cause is holding briefings or gatherings, and they should be avoided as much as possible."
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