[Q&A] "COVID-19 Patients, High Proportion in 20s... Influence of Shincheonji Members"

Jung Eun-kyung, Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As of the 2nd, among the 4,212 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea, 2,418 cases, accounting for 57.4%, were identified as patients related to the Shincheonji Jesus Church in Daegu. Among the confirmed cases, 62.2% were female and 37.8% male, with the largest age group being people in their 20s, totaling 1,235 cases (29.3%).

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, said at the regular briefing in the afternoon, "There are many female Shincheonji members in their 20s and 30s, so the proportion of this age group appears to be quite high."

According to an analysis by health authorities of the 22 deaths among confirmed cases, the overall mortality rate among confirmed cases was 0.5%, but the mortality rate for the elderly aged 80 and above was 3.7%. Director Jung stated, "The fatality rate is higher among adults aged 50 and above and patients with underlying conditions," adding, "We are reorganizing the medical delivery system to prioritize severe treatment and proper care for these patients." As of today, 19 patients among the confirmed cases are in critical condition, and 15 patients are classified as severe, either receiving oxygen therapy or having a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius.

◇ The following is a Q&A with Director Jung Eun-kyung

- Are mild patients admitted to the residential treatment centers allowed free movement?

▲ According to the guidelines, multi-person rooms can be assigned according to the facility's characteristics. Rather than isolating by room or floor, it is important to minimize exposure between medical staff or support personnel and confirmed patients by using personal protective equipment and separating movement paths.

- When, where, and through what route did Lee Man-hee, the chairman of Shincheonji, undergo COVID-19 testing?

▲ We received information from the church that he was tested and the result was negative. The test was requested through a commissioned testing agency, and it was confirmed that the testing cost was borne by himself.

- What are the criteria for determining the severity of confirmed cases?

▲ High-risk groups are prioritized for hospitalization and treatment, while mild or asymptomatic individuals are directed to residential treatment centers or self-isolation.

- Has a case presumed to be the initial source of infection among Shincheonji members who entered from China been identified?

▲ Currently, there is one member who entered from Shanghai, China, but there is no record of attending worship. There is also one person who came from Wuhan, arriving on January 8th, but this person is not on the list of worship attendees. Since this person has not been diagnosed yet, additional investigations are underway to find any connections.

- Please explain the underlying conditions of the additional deceased patients.

▲ Yesterday and today, eight people died in Daegu and one in Gyeongbuk. The age groups were four in their 80s, four in their 70s, and one in their 60s. Each had one or two underlying conditions. Most healthy adults recover after experiencing symptoms similar to the flu, but there is significant concern for the elderly and those with chronic diseases. We will quickly organize the medical system so that high-risk groups can receive testing and treatment first, aiming to minimize and prevent deaths.

- The incubation period for symptomatic individuals related to the Shincheonji Daegu Church is passing; do you expect the number of confirmed cases to decrease significantly after the full investigation is completed?

▲ There are still regional differences in the pattern of outbreaks, but COVID-19 is characterized by a high transmission rate even in the early mild stages. Because of this, the World Health Organization and experts worldwide have raised concerns about a pandemic and have predicted it could last for a long time. South Korea will continue to implement measures aligned with a damage minimization strategy by strengthening management of high-risk groups and protection measures for hospitals and group social welfare facilities.

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