Confirmed COVID-19 Case Among Delivery Workers Sparks Delay Controversy... Delivery Worker Unaware of Contact Continues Deliveries

On the 29th, MBC News reported that an employee at B Mart Seoul National University branch tested positive around 12:40 PM that day, but Baedal Minjok, who was informed, did not immediately announce this fact. Photo by MBC News Desk.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A COVID-19 case has been confirmed at 'B Mart,' a delivery specialty mart operated by Baedal Minjok, at the Gwanak Seoul National University branch. However, Baemin did not disclose this immediately, resulting in many delivery drivers unknowingly continuing their deliveries.

The B Mart Seoul National University branch handles thousands of deliveries daily and is visited by hundreds of delivery drivers, raising concerns about further spread.

On the 29th, MBC News reported that although a B Mart Seoul National University branch employee tested positive at around 12:40 PM that day, Baedal Minjok, which was informed, did not promptly announce the case.

According to MBC, instead of issuing a general notice, Baedal Minjok called each rider who had visited the Seoul National University branch individually to inform them, "A confirmed case has been identified, so stop working and get tested."

As a result, riders who received the call late or were not contacted continued making deliveries and interacting with people.

No announcement about the confirmed case was posted on the Baedal Minjok order app either.

Even when entering Seoul National University Station, the area where the case occurred, as the address, no information could be found. Only by selecting B Mart could users briefly confirm the occurrence of the confirmed case. Moreover, this notice was posted only on the B Mart app for the Gwanak area.

Riders deliver not only from B Mart but also food. Therefore, a general announcement is necessary to prevent further spread.

On the 29th, MBC News reported that an employee at B Mart Seoul National University branch tested positive around 12:40 PM that day, but Baedal Minjok, who was informed, did not immediately announce this fact. Photo by MBC News Desk.

Baedal Minjok estimates that about 700 people are subject to testing.

Hundreds of delivery drivers come and go daily at B Mart's logistics warehouse, handling thousands of deliveries.

Unlike food delivery, many B Mart delivery workers make short deliveries by bicycle or on foot. Many of them also work part-time for other companies, increasing the possibility of additional infection spread.

In response, the rider union immediately requested a general announcement, but Baedal Minjok refused, saying that revealing the confirmed case could cause unnecessary misunderstandings, and only after six hours did they notify via text message about the confirmed case.

Currently, Baedal Minjok delivery drivers are reported to have entered quarantine. They either went for testing late or are scheduled to be tested.