3 Unidentified Infection Cases in Gyeongju and 1 in Pohang on the 18th
Cumulative Confirmed Cases in Gyeongbuk Reach 1,464 as of Midnight on the 19th
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] In Gyeongju and Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, a surge of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) with unknown infection routes is occurring, spreading fear as mask-wearing is being mandated even on the streets.
Since the first confirmed cases related to the Chilgok Jangnoesam (wild ginseng) business briefing were reported simultaneously on the 11th in Gyeongju and Pohang, one case each, community infection cases have continued daily in both regions. In just one week, 22 people (13 in Gyeongju, 9 in Pohang) have tested positive in the two local governments.
According to Gyeongsangbuk-do on the 19th, 4 new confirmed cases were reported the previous day: 3 in Gyeongju, including 2 middle and high school students and one person in their 50s, and 1 woman in her 50s in Pohang. As of midnight that day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Gyeongsangbuk-do reached 1,464. The cumulative confirmed cases in Gyeongju and Pohang are 80 (79 according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters) and 70, respectively.
Student A from Gyelim Middle School in Gyeongju was confirmed positive without attending school, while student B from Munhwa High School was tested after showing COVID-19 symptoms following attendance. Both schools switched to remote classes starting that day.
Additionally, a person in their 50s residing in Yonggang-dong, Gyeongju, who experienced symptoms such as dry mouth and headache and received hospital treatment but showed no improvement, visited the Gyeongju Public Health Center and was confirmed positive. Including the two students, all three are so-called 'unknown source' confirmed cases with untraceable infection routes.
In Pohang, a woman in her 50s living in Buk-gu tested positive after contact with the 68th confirmed case on the 17th and undergoing testing at the Buk-gu Public Health Center screening clinic. The 68th confirmed case in Pohang also has an unconfirmed infection route, raising concerns about the spread of unknown source infections.
With confirmed cases surging for about a week in Pohang and Gyeongju, both local governments have entered an emergency response system, mandating mask-wearing not only indoors but also on the streets.
Following Pohang on the 17th, on the 18th, Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young issued a public address and announced the elevation of social distancing to Level 2 and an administrative order mandating mask-wearing starting at midnight on the 19th.
In his address, Mayor Ju Nak-young stated, "Until October 4, all high-risk facilities such as entertainment establishments and karaoke bars, as well as apartment complex facilities (gyms, bathhouses), will be prohibited from operating, and all daycare centers and kindergartens in the jurisdiction will be closed." He also emphasized, "To block unknown source transmission, an administrative order mandating mask-wearing throughout the city has been issued, with an education period until October 12, followed by enforcement starting on the 13th."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
