Seoul Aerobics Academy, 131 Confirmed Cases in Four Days... Cluster Infection Spreads (Update)

Despite Strict Compliance with Quarantine Rules, Poor Ventilation and Exercise Characteristics Increase Vulnerability to Group Infections

On the morning of the 26th, citizens visiting the screening clinic at Gangseo-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are waiting in line to get tested for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that started at an aerobics academy in Seoul is spreading. It has been confirmed that more than 130 people, including students and instructors, have tested positive.

On the 27th, the Seoul city government announced that the number of confirmed cases related to the aerobics academy in Gangseo-gu reached 64 as of the previous day (26th).

At the aerobics academy, one person first tested positive on the 23rd, and the daily new confirmed cases surged from 5 → 60 → 64, with the cumulative number of confirmed cases reaching 131 over four days.

Among a total of 786 people, including academy students, instructors, and those classified as close contacts who underwent diagnostic testing, 416 tested negative, and the rest are awaiting results. The positive rate compared to the number of tests conducted was at least 16.5%, confirming strong transmissibility.

The aerobics academy reportedly relatively well complied with quarantine rules such as wearing masks, measuring body temperature, and collecting visitor contact information. However, since it was located underground with poor ventilation and due to the nature of aerobics, the quarantine authorities believe it had a decisive impact on the spread of the cluster infection.

Previously, in February and March, a cluster infection triggered at a Zumba dance instructor workshop in Cheonan, Chungnam, also spread nationwide, resulting in over 100 confirmed cases.