Reason for the Difference in Counts Between Daegu City and Shincheonji... Due to Timing of Investigation?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Gang-wook] There are discrepancies between Daegu City and the Shincheonji Daegu Church regarding the status of tested individuals and the compilation of the list of church members related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

What is the reason? The Shincheonji side explained that the differences arise depending on the timing of the investigation and the distinction between official members and trainees.

According to Daegu City and Shincheonji on the 7th, as of midnight that day, Daegu City announced that out of 10,914 registered members of the Shincheonji Daegu Church, 9,464 had undergone diagnostic testing, and 3,617 were confirmed positive.

Additionally, 1,199 people were eligible for admission to residential treatment centers, of whom 575 were admitted and 534 refused admission. It was also reported that 94 Shincheonji members reside in Hanmaeum Apartment located in Seongdang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu.

However, the Shincheonji Daegu Church stated that according to their own investigation, as of 10 p.m. on the 6th, the total registered members of the Shincheonji Daegu Church were 9,785, with 8,834 having undergone diagnostic testing, representing 90.3% of the total registered members.

They further explained that the total registered members of the Shincheonji Daedaeohji branch (Daegu, Pohang, Gumi, Andong, Gyeongju) were 13,821, with 12,699 having undergone diagnostic testing, representing 91.9% of the total registered members. They added that the remaining members are also being encouraged to actively cooperate with diagnostic testing.

In particular, Shincheonji stated, "The reason for the minor discrepancies in the lists between Daegu Metropolitan City and Shincheonji Daegu Church is confirmed to be due to differences in the timing of the investigation and the distinction between official members and trainees (who are not official Shincheonji members)."

Along with this, Shincheonji claimed that according to their own investigation, cases of refusal to enter residential treatment centers are extremely rare.

Shincheonji explained, "Among the 534 people reported by Daegu City as having expressed refusal to be admitted, there are cases where parents tested positive but asymptomatic, while their children tested negative or positive or are awaiting test results. In such cases, minors cannot be left alone at home while the parents go to the residential treatment center, so scheduling adjustments are necessary, and admission is postponed out of necessity, not refusal." They added, "The church encourages accompanying admission as soon as the test results for minor children are available."

In particular, Shincheonji announced that residential treatment center admission is "not a choice by consent but mandatory" for all members and is actively encouraging this.

Shincheonji stated, "Currently, there are no members who have refused COVID-19 testing," and requested, "Please understand that it is not a matter of non-cooperation with health authorities, but that measures are being taken to prepare the environment."

There are also discrepancies in the number of Shincheonji members residing in Hanmaeum Apartment within the Daegu Comprehensive Welfare Center in Seongdang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu.

Shincheonji reported that the total number of female members of the Shincheonji Daegu Church is 80. Compared to the 94 announced by Daegu City, there is a difference of 14. Regarding this, Shincheonji explained, "The church is swiftly investigating."

Shincheonji also stated, "According to the internal church investigation so far, all 80 female members residing in the apartment have undergone specimen testing, with 37 testing positive, 40 testing negative, and 3 awaiting results."

They emphasized, "We clarify that this apartment is not a group facility of the Shincheonji Daegu Church."

Shincheonji also disclosed an official document titled 'Additional Distribution of Behavioral Guidelines for Members Related to COVID-19.'

In the document, Shincheonji stated, "All missionaries and members of the Daedaeohji branch are requested to participate in disaster recovery to prevent further damage caused by COVID-19 and to actively cooperate with government policies."

They also urged, "Please cooperate fully when guided to enter residential treatment centers according to infectious disease prevention rules. Admission to residential treatment centers is not a 'choice' but a 'requirement.' If there are members who have not yet undergone specimen testing, please be sure to do so."

They added, "Even if the test results are negative, please self-isolate as much as possible and strictly prohibit gatherings or meetings until further instructions are given, until COVID-19 is under control."

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