Sauna and International Student Gatherings... Small-Scale COVID-19 Cluster Infections Continue Nationwide (Comprehensive)

Infections in dozens centered around university hospitals, Noryangjin academy districts, and gyms
One person infects more than 1.5 others... 400 cases expected next week, over 600 early next month
Chain transmission of group infections in daily life... Avoid face-to-face meetings and appointments

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The number of new daily confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) increased to 386.

Im Suk-young, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters' situation management team, stated at the regular briefing on the 21st, "As of midnight on the 21st, 361 new confirmed cases occurred domestically, and 25 cases were confirmed as imported from overseas," adding, "The total cumulative number of confirmed cases is 30,403." There were 102 newly released from quarantine, and currently 3,535 people are in isolation. The number of severe and critical patients is 86, and there were 2 deaths.

Regarding the international student gathering in Mapo-gu, Seoul, since the first confirmed case on the 17th, 7 additional cases were confirmed during contact tracing. The cumulative number of confirmed cases is now 8. In relation to the daytime ward of a university hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, 10 additional cases were confirmed, bringing the total cumulative confirmed cases to 11. Also, related to the short-term teacher certification academy in Noryangjin, Seoul, 58 additional cases were confirmed, increasing the cumulative total to 69. In the metropolitan area alumni sports gathering, 9 additional cases were confirmed, with a cumulative total of 19 confirmed cases so far. Regarding the sauna in Seocho-gu, Seoul, 27 additional cases were confirmed, bringing the cumulative total to 41. At a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 11 additional cases were confirmed, totaling 28, and related to Cheongryeonsa Temple in Dobong-gu, Seoul, 5 additional cases were confirmed, totaling 29 confirmed cases.

In Namdong-gu, Incheon, 12 additional cases related to family and acquaintances were confirmed, bringing the cumulative total to 41. During quarantine related to a middle school and gym in the metropolitan area, 17 additional cases were confirmed. In Asan City, Chungnam, 2 additional cases related to Sunmoon University were confirmed, totaling 16 confirmed cases. In Gimcheon City, Gyeongbuk, 9 additional cases related to Gimcheon University were confirmed, totaling 10. In Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongbuk, 3 additional cases related to a family gathering were confirmed, and in Changwon City, Gyeongnam, 5 additional cases related to a social gathering were confirmed.

Various cases of chain transmission of cluster infections in daily life are also emerging. At a middle school gym in the metropolitan area, the index patient was confirmed on October 25, and as a result of contact tracing, additional transmission occurred at the gym where the index patient's family is a member, and further transmission of about 10 people occurred at a research center where gym members also work. Additional transmission occurred at another gym where an employee of this research center is a member, resulting in more than 10 additional confirmed cases. Further transmission occurred through a book club attended by members of the gym, resulting in about 30 confirmed cases, bringing the total to 87 confirmed cases in less than a month.

The health authorities are currently conducting comprehensive testing of vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals in both the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Im stated, "So far, through mass testing, a total of 91 confirmed cases have been identified in 8 vulnerable facilities in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Busan, and other areas." The authorities are implementing corresponding quarantine measures.

The authorities emphasized that the domestic COVID-19 outbreak is at a very serious stage, marking the beginning of a large-scale spread. The current weekly number of confirmed cases in the metropolitan area is 175.1, and in the Gangwon region, it is 16.4; if this trend continues, it will soon reach the criteria for raising social distancing to level 2. Social distancing was raised to level 1.5 in the metropolitan area and Gangwon region on the 19th.

They also stressed concern over the reproduction number, an epidemic prediction indicator, exceeding 1.5. This means one confirmed case infects more than 1.5 people. Based on this, it is estimated that the daily new cases will reach 400 next week and exceed 600 by early December. Im emphasized, "If the current spread is not contained, we are at a critical juncture where a nationwide large-scale outbreak surpassing the Daegu-Gyeongbuk outbreak and the metropolitan area outbreak at the end of August is expected."

He said, "Regardless of the form of face-to-face contact, reducing meetings with people and wearing masks properly are essential to stop the current spread," adding, "The way to reduce the scale of the outbreak is to break the chain of transmission at each point where infection spreads. To do this, it is necessary to minimize daily life and activity range to as safe a level as possible."

He continued, "December 3 is the College Scholastic Ability Test day," and urged, "Please cancel face-to-face meetings and appointments unless absolutely necessary until the outbreak is controlled so that examinees who have worked hard during these difficult times can take the exam safely." He also requested people aged 65 and older, who are at high risk of severe illness upon infection, to refrain from going out, and to avoid visiting enclosed multi-use facilities.