46 New Cases in Gyeongnam in One Day... Jinju 33, Changwon 12

33 New Cases in Jinju Itongjang Cluster in One Day
14 More Confirmed Linked to Changwon Danranjujeom

Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam Province, COVID-19 Response Briefing

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Ju Cheol-in] In Jinju and Changwon, Gyeongnam Province, 46 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) occurred in a single day.

Gyeongnam Province announced in a briefing on the 25th that 46 confirmed cases were reported in one day, with 22 in the morning and 24 in the afternoon.

On that day, 19 cases in Jinju and 3 in Changwon were confirmed in the morning, and 14 in Jinju, 9 in Changwon, and 1 in Hadong in the afternoon, totaling 46 confirmed cases. The additional 14 cases in Jinju were all related to the Jinju I Tongjangdan (neighborhood leaders' group) meeting.

Number 498, who was confirmed positive after returning from a training trip to Jeju Island, also attended the Seongbuk-dong Tongjangdan Jeju training, resulting in 13 additional infections (numbers 508 to 520), including 11 Tongjangdan members and 2 accompanying public officials. Previously, one driver (number 521) who attended the Jeju training also tested positive.

The Seongbuk-dong Tongjangdan went on a training trip to Jeju Island from the 20th to the 22nd. A total of 21 people attended, including 19 Tongjangdan members and 2 accompanying public officials, with 13 infections confirmed.

Earlier, the entire Jinju I Tongjang attended a Jeju training trip from the 16th to the 18th, with 23 attendees including 21 chairpersons, 1 accompanying public official, and 1 bus driver, resulting in 19 confirmed cases (numbers 488 to 505).

The first confirmed case, number 481, showed symptoms starting on the 19th, the day after returning from the Jeju training. After testing on the 23rd, the positive diagnosis was confirmed on the 24th.

Due to the nature of the Tongjang (neighborhood leader) role, it is expected that there were many contacts with residents before confirmation, causing health authorities to be on high alert.

As a result, the cluster infection related to the Jinju I Tongjang has increased to a total of 33 confirmed cases, including 25 Tongjang members, 3 public officials, 1 bus driver, and 4 family members.

In Changwon, 9 additional confirmed cases (numbers 522 to 528, 530, and 531) related to the Masan Arari Danran Jujeom (karaoke bar) were reported.

Eight of these cases (numbers 522 to 527, 530, and 531) tested positive after visiting the karaoke bar. Number 528 was in contact with number 477. The total confirmed cases related to the Changwon Arari Danran Jujeom have risen to 14.

A man in his 20s from Hadong County (number 529), who had contact with a confirmed case from Busan, also tested positive.

The provincial government, Changwon City, and Jinju City health authorities are making every effort to identify contacts and prevent further spread following the large number of confirmed cases in a single day.

Accordingly, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the province has increased to 528 (366 discharged, 161 hospitalized, 1 deceased).

Governor Kim Kyung-soo emphasized, "It is incomprehensible that an administrative agency, which should set an example in COVID-19 prevention, led a group training trip to another region," adding, "After blocking the spread of infection, we will investigate the circumstances of this matter and strictly take action against those responsible."

He also urged, "With colder weather, chain infections in daily life, and an increase in mild or asymptomatic cases, we are facing a triple burden in prevention. Only thorough social distancing and adherence to core prevention guidelines can stop the current spread, so please cancel all gatherings and appointments and stay at home for the time being."