Daegu Reports 178 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Reaches 677... City Hall Officials Also Infected (Comprehensive)

On the afternoon of the 23rd, ambulances carrying confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) transported to Keimyung University Daegu Dongsan Hospital in Jung-gu, Daegu, were lined up. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Daegu area increased by 178, reaching a total of 677.

According to Daegu City and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters as of 9 a.m. on the 26th, the number of confirmed cases in Daegu increased by 178 compared to 9 a.m. the previous day. The cumulative number of confirmed cases in Daegu is 677. Among the confirmed cases are two public officials: one employee from the Daegu City Hall annex and one firefighter from the Dongbu Fire Station Dongchon 119 Safety Center, as well as one soldier serving at the Air Force 11th Fighter Wing.

The facilities where the confirmed cases worked were closed and disinfection operations were carried out. The confirmed cases have been isolated. Lee Seung-ho, the Deputy Mayor of Economy, who was classified as a close contact of the City Hall employee, tested negative but will maintain self-quarantine according to regulations.

Daegu City stated, "Among the employees working in the annex, 639 were instructed to work from home for one day, and those suspected of close contact were asked to self-quarantine and undergo testing."

Additionally, three medical personnel (one from the Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital IT team, one radiologist from Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, and one nurse from Kwak Hospital) were confirmed positive.

On this day, Daegu City requested the government and other local governments to supplement the shortage of hospital beds and medical staff. Mayor Kwon said, "I would like to take this opportunity to ask the government and all cities and provinces nationwide to earnestly support hospital facilities and medical personnel who can isolate and treat patients."

Daegu City has prepared 783 isolation beds so far. They have secured 224 beds at Daegu Medical Center and 240 beds at Keimyung University Daegu Dongsan Hospital (Jung-gu) as a priority. Additionally, 319 beds have been added at Daegu Veterans Hospital (89 beds), Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service Daegu Hospital (200 beds), and Yeungnam University Hospital (30 beds). The city plans to secure about 300 more beds by transferring existing patients at Daegu Medical Center and Yeungnam University Hospital to other hospitals early.

The government plans to secure 1,600 beds by the 1st of next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.