Subway Operator Tests Positive During Operation... All Passengers Evacuated from Seoul Subway Line 6

After a Colleague Tested Positive Following Shared Use of Cafeteria, COVID Test Conducted... "Not Classified as Close Contact, So Returned to Work"

A train operator running Seoul Subway Line 6 was diagnosed with COVID-19 during work, causing all passengers to disembark at Dolgok Station.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] A train operator running a subway in Seoul was diagnosed with COVID-19 during work, causing a commotion as all passengers had to disembark.

According to Seoul Metro on the 7th, around 2:20 PM that day, train operator A, who was operating the Eungam Loop train on Seoul Subway Line 6, was notified by health authorities of a positive COVID-19 test. The operator underwent testing after a colleague who shared the company cafeteria tested positive, and was confirmed positive.

In response, Seoul Metro stopped the subway operated by A at Dolgoti Station, had all passengers disembark, and arranged for them to use the next train. After all passengers disembarked at Dolgoti Station, A remained in the driver's cabin and moved the train to the Sinnae Vehicle Depot.

A boarded the subway through a different passage from passengers and, due to the subway’s structural characteristics, did not come into contact with passengers. All employees working with A at the Susaek Operations Office underwent COVID-19 testing.

Seoul Metro stated, "Employees who were close contacts of the previously confirmed positive staff did not come to work, but A was not classified as a close contact and therefore reported to work," adding, "The train returned to the depot for disinfection work."