Rising COVID-19 Cases from IM Mission Society... "Received List of 841 People for Testing Underway" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] As the group infection originating from IM Mission spreads nationwide, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is surging.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 27th, five additional confirmed cases were identified during contact tracing related to an unlicensed alternative education facility under the Daejeon IM Mission, bringing the total cumulative confirmed cases to 176.

In Gwangju, 116 additional cases were reported from Buk-gu churches, TCS Ace International School, and Gwangsan-gu TCS International School, increasing the cumulative confirmed cases to 147.

Among the 147 confirmed cases, 24 are related to Buk-gu churches and TCS Ace International School, 13 to daycare centers, and 110 to Gwangsan-gu TCS International School.

Considering that the initial confirmed cases had an infection rate of 80.7%, the health authorities estimate that there was continuous exposure within the facilities. Therefore, those who have visited IM Mission, IEM unlicensed alternative education facilities, or TCS unlicensed alternative education facilities, or are related to these facilities, are urged to promptly undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing at public health centers.

Park Young-jun, head of the epidemiological investigation team at CDCH, stated, "We have received a list of 841 members related to 23 educational ministry facilities operated by IM Mission across 11 cities and provinces," adding, "We are currently investigating contacts by the confirmed cases' residences while conducting proactive testing."

Park also said, "Most of the confirmed cases from IM Mission are mild, and no secondary community transmission has been confirmed yet," and added, "We are reviewing the connection with the BTJ Yeolhap Center in Sangju, Gyeongbuk, where a large-scale group infection recently occurred, but so far, no confirmed cases belong to either organization."