[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As small-scale cluster infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to occur, 36 new confirmed cases were added in Seoul in just one day yesterday. Additionally, one elderly patient in their 70s undergoing isolation treatment passed away.
Seoul City announced on the 29th at midnight that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Seoul area increased by 36 compared to the previous day, bringing the total cumulative confirmed cases to 5,912.
Regarding the infection routes of the new confirmed cases, 11 were related to Lucky Sauna in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, and 3 were related to a visiting teacher in Eunpyeong-gu, confirming new cluster infections.
In the case of Lucky Sauna, one resident of Gangnam-gu was first confirmed positive on the 26th, followed by 4 additional cases by the 27th, and 12 more on the 28th, increasing the total related confirmed cases to 17. Among these, 16 are confirmed cases in Seoul.
According to epidemiological investigations, the initial confirmed patient and acquaintances used the sauna and then had a meal gathering, after which the virus was further transmitted to family members and acquaintances. The health authorities are currently conducting tests on 125 people, including sauna visitors, family members, and acquaintances who had contact.
In the case of the visiting teacher in Eunpyeong-gu, the virus was transmitted to students who attended classes with the teacher and their parents, and subsequently, the parents transmitted it to coworkers during meals and work activities. Besides the initial confirmed patient, 16 others tested positive, of whom 4 reside in Seoul.
Additionally, new confirmed cases emerged from existing cluster infection cases: 3 from the Dongmun golf meeting in Yongin City, 2 from a metropolitan area golf meeting, and 2 from a church located in Songpa-gu. One additional confirmed case each was added related to a birthday party gathering and an acquaintance meeting in Gangnam-Seocho. Furthermore, there were 2 cases of contact with confirmed patients from other cities/provinces, 6 cases with other infection routes, and 5 cases where the infection route is under investigation.
In Seoul, one person in their 70s who was confirmed positive on September 16 and undergoing isolation treatment passed away, increasing the cumulative death toll to 78.
So far, 5,462 people have been declared recovered and discharged, while 372 are currently undergoing isolation treatment.
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