Jeju National University Hospital Inpatients 2 Confirmed with COVID-19... "Infection Due to Ignoring Visitation Ban" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] Two patients hospitalized at Jeju National University Hospital tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), triggering an emergency response not only within the hospital but across Jeju Island's entire quarantine system. It is known that one of the hospitalized patients ignored the hospital's ban on outside visitors and met a friend outside the ward, resulting in infection.

On the 20th, Jeju National University Hospital announced that Mr. A, who was admitted on the 16th to Ward 62, mainly for orthopedic patients, ignored the hospital's ban on outside visitors and met his friend Mr. B at the smoking area outside the ward, where he contracted COVID-19. Mr. B, the 203rd confirmed case in the province, was diagnosed positive after attending a gathering at the 7080 Live Cafe in Yongdam 3-dong, Jeju City.

Mr. A, who became the 241st confirmed case in the province, was reportedly known for not wearing a mask properly, causing friction with medical staff. A hospital official at Jeju National University Hospital stated, "Since no family members or guardians are allowed to stay in the ward where the 241st confirmed patient was admitted, it is expected that no additional infections among family members will occur."

Following Mr. A's infection, Ms. C, who was hospitalized at Jeju National University Hospital on the 18th for childbirth, also tested positive on the same day. Ms. C is the daughter of Mr. D, who was infected at Halla Sauna in Ildo 1-dong, Jeju City, and tested positive. She was admitted as her childbirth approached during self-quarantine. However, the hospital stated that since Ms. C had notified them in advance of her self-quarantine status, they were sufficiently prepared to prevent infection during the childbirth process.

On the afternoon of the day when two inpatients tested positive, the hospital issued an emergency announcement requesting medical staff and patients to undergo COVID-19 testing. Jeju Island's quarantine authorities are reportedly considering cohort isolation for the affected ward within Jeju National University Hospital.