Government: "Daegu-Gyeongbuk Cluster Infection Controlled in Short Term, Not Yet a Safe Stage" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government evaluated on the 15th that the large-scale cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that occurred at the Shincheonji Daegu Church was controlled in a short period and has entered a stabilization phase.

Park Neung-hoo, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of Health and Welfare, stated at a regular briefing at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon, "We believe that the risk of the large-scale COVID-19 infection centered around the Shincheonji sect in Daegu and Gyeongbuk rapidly spreading nationwide was controlled in a relatively short period, and it is now stabilizing to some extent."

Deputy Head Park cited as grounds for this judgment: ▲ the nationwide daily new confirmed cases have decreased to below 100 ▲ in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, the epicenters, the number of confirmed cases, which used to exceed 400 per day, has dropped to around 50 to 60 ▲ since the 13th, the number of recovered patients has exceeded new confirmed cases, reducing the number of patients under isolation treatment.

However, the government stated that it is not yet a situation to be complacent about and will focus on suppressing community infections. Deputy Head Park said, "In Daegu and Gyeongbuk, the infectious disease control of the high-risk group, Shincheonji believers, is nearing completion, but confirmed cases continue to be found among ordinary citizens, showing a pattern of community infection spread."

He added, "Nationwide, sporadic COVID-19 infections with unknown infection routes are occurring, suggesting that COVID-19 is spreading in some regions," and emphasized, "As it is rapidly spreading in major foreign countries as well, the need to be cautious about overseas inflow is increasing."

The government plans to continue expanding diagnostic testing in Daegu and Gyeongbuk to suppress additional patient occurrences. Deputy Head Park said, "Efforts are needed to detect community infections that may be latent in other regions such as the metropolitan area early and to minimize damage."

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