87 Confirmed Cases at 5 Daegu Nursing Hospitals... "30% Full Investigation, More Cases Expected" (Comprehensive Report 2)

by Jeong Donghoon

Published 18 Mar.2020 10:57(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] An additional 87 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Daegu's comprehensive survey of nursing hospitals and social welfare facilities.

According to Daegu City on the 18th, a total of 87 patients and staff tested positive for COVID-19, including 74 at Hansarang Nursing Hospital in Seo-gu, 7 at Baeseong Hospital in Buk-gu, 4 at Suseong Nursing Hospital in Suseong-gu, 1 at Jinmyeong Silver Home in Dong-gu, and 1 at Siji Nursing Hospital in Suseong-gu.

Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin stated, "These results came from the comprehensive survey of high-risk group facilities conducted by Daegu City since the 13th," adding, "The survey is about 30% complete, so additional confirmed cases are expected."

The quarantine authorities identified additional confirmed cases at Hansarang Nursing Hospital in Seo-gu late yesterday afternoon and implemented cohort isolation measures.

At Hansarang Nursing Hospital, the head nurse tested positive on the 16th. Subsequently, a comprehensive survey was conducted on 71 staff members and 117 patients, resulting in 74 confirmed cases, including 17 staff and 57 patients. Mayor Kwon said, "Among the initially confirmed staff, 4 were hospitalized in the hospital, and 10 were admitted to residential treatment centers," adding, "The 60 patients and workers who tested positive early this morning will be transferred to the hospital or residential treatment centers today."

Three wards at Baeseong Hospital in Buk-gu were also placed under cohort isolation. After one staff member tested positive on the 16th, a comprehensive survey was conducted on 112 staff and patients. As a result, one nurse and six patients tested positive. The six confirmed patients were transferred to Daegu Medical Center for treatment.

Daegu City confirmed these cluster infections during the comprehensive survey of nursing hospitals and social welfare facilities. The survey of approximately 390 nursing hospitals and social welfare facilities is currently about one-third complete.