'Cluster Outbreak' Cheongdo Daenam Hospital Converted to COVID-19 Isolation Hospital

Daenam Hospital, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk, where confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are increasing, will be converted into an isolation treatment hospital for confirmed patients.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for COVID-19 announced on the 22nd, "Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo will be converted into an isolation treatment hospital for confirmed patients, and medical staff from the National Center for Mental Health will be deployed to provide treatment." On the same day, 92 additional confirmed cases were identified in the morning alone, bringing the total number of patients to 108. Medical staff, including nurses, were also infected. According to the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, there is a clear pattern of in-hospital infection at this hospital.

As of this day, 524 people have been tested, and the remaining 93 are undergoing testing. Although the number of patients has surged, treatment is difficult because the hospital lacks negative pressure facilities. At a briefing, Deputy Director Kim Kang-rip stated, "Among those tested positive, 16 patients who have underlying conditions and require specialized treatment have been transferred to nearby Dongguk University Hospital, Andong Medical Center, Pusan National University Hospital, and the National Medical Center for isolation treatment." He added, "The remaining 92 confirmed patients will be treated at Daenam Hospital, which will be converted into an isolation treatment hospital for confirmed cases, with medical staff from the National Center for Mental Health deployed to provide care."

He also said, "The Central Disease Control Headquarters’ rapid response team and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters’ local response team are conducting epidemiological investigations and diagnostic tests on-site, taking necessary measures such as transferring confirmed patients." He continued, "Epidemiological investigations are also being conducted on the families and contacts of confirmed patients, and once contacts are identified, they will be promptly isolated to control further spread of infection."

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