On the 19th, medical staff are collecting specimens at a temporary screening clinic for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) set up at Seoul Station Plaza. The 20th marks exactly one year since the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the country. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As the daily new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea slightly exceeded 400 again, new cluster infections continued across the country on the 20th.
According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), new cluster infections were confirmed in weekly care centers, nursing facilities, and churches in the metropolitan area.
At a weekly care center in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Province, after the first confirmed case (index patient) on the 18th, 15 additional cases were confirmed. Among the total 16 cases, 14 are users including the index patient, and 2 are staff members.
Regarding the third case related to a church in Suwon-si, after the first confirmed case among church members on the 12th, 8 more church members tested positive, and 4 of their family members also tested positive consecutively. The cumulative number of confirmed cases is now 13.
In the second case at a nursing home in Yongin-si, after the first confirmed case was identified through a preemptive test on the 15th, 10 additional cases were confirmed during contact tracing. This includes ▲5 users ▲2 residents ▲2 staff members ▲2 family members of confirmed cases.
Additional confirmed cases continued in existing cluster infection cases as well. In relation to a nursing facility in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 4 more cases were confirmed, increasing the total to 30. In the second case at a nursing facility in Yangcheon-gu, 4 more cases were added, bringing the total to 55.
Regarding the sauna in Dongdaemun-gu, 6 additional infections were confirmed during contact tracing, raising the total confirmed cases to 28. In connection with a meat processing company in Yangju-si, Gyeonggi Province, 4 more cases were added, bringing the cumulative total to 104.
On the 15th, citizens lined up to get tested at the temporary COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@
New infection cases also surged in provincial areas. Related to a church in Seocheon-gun, Chungnam Province, after the first confirmed case on the 15th, 6 additional cases were confirmed through contact tracing. Among the total 7 cases, 4 are church members including the index patient, and 3 are their family members.
Regarding a music academy in Sejong City, a total of 11 cases have been confirmed since the 14th. These include ▲the index patient and 4 family members ▲1 music academy teacher ▲2 users ▲4 family members, acquaintances, and colleagues of confirmed cases.
Confirmed cases related to religious facilities where cluster infections previously occurred continue to increase.
As of 6 p.m. the previous day, the number of confirmed cases related to the BTJ Yeolhap Center in Sangju-si, Gyeongbuk Province, rose to 787, with 3 additional infections. Among the estimated 3,003 visitors to the center, 265 tested positive, and secondary transmissions were confirmed in 9 cities and provinces involving 522 people.
In the case of a temple in Yeongam-gun, Jeonnam Province, 12 additional cases were confirmed, increasing the total to 37. Among them are 8 temple worshippers including the index patient, 17 residents, 5 daycare-related individuals, and 7 others. By region, there are 33 in Jeonnam, 3 in Gwangju, and 1 in Seoul.
Additionally, 22 more cases related to hospitals in Goesan, Eumseong, Jincheon counties in Chungbuk Province and Anseong-si were confirmed, raising the total to 452.
Meanwhile, the CDCH mentioned the vaccine introduction plan during a briefing on the day. Earlier, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced that vaccine supply through the international project for joint vaccine purchase and distribution, the ‘COVAX facility,’ would be made next month. The CDCH explained, "It is expected to be received after early February," but added, "The quantity, type, and timing have not been finalized."
Regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, which faced criticism for difficulty in supply within the first quarter, the CDCH stated, "It is scheduled to be supplied sequentially from the first quarter, and preparations are proceeding as planned so far," assuring, "There will be no disruption in the introduction."
On the establishment of a distribution system for vaccine supply, they responded, "There is a need to speed up the distribution system, including freezers, and efforts are underway," adding, "We are preparing to establish the essential components first."
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