Daegu Nursing Hospital Mass Testing Finds 157 Positive Cases... 33,256 Tested Completed (Update)

On the morning of the 23rd, medical staff wearing protective suits are heading to the ward at Daegu Dongsan Hospital of Keimyung University in Jung-gu, Daegu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Daegu City announced that as a result of conducting comprehensive diagnostic tests on social welfare living facilities and nursing hospitals where COVID-19 cluster infections occurred, 157 people tested positive.

On the 23rd, Daegu City completed diagnostic tests on 33,256 people, excluding 354 people (due to reasons such as long-term hospitalization or return to their original homes) from the total 33,610 people at 394 sites subject to the full survey until the previous day (22nd). Among them, 157 people (0.5%) tested positive. Meanwhile, 3,229 people (9.7%) are awaiting test results.

The test subjects included 13,215 workers and 20,041 residents and inpatients.

Meanwhile, as some churches expressed their intention to proceed with worship services at church buildings, Daegu City deployed a religious facility inspection team of about 80 people the previous day to conduct on-site guidance and inspections.

Daegu City stated, "Among general churches, there were concerning aspects such as eight small churches holding 12 worship services (1 to 3 times per church) over the weekend with about 600 believers participating," but added, "They were complying with COVID-19 regulations for religious facilities, and no violations were found." Additionally, the Shincheonji headquarters church and its 51 affiliated facilities remain under closure orders until March 24, with no unusual findings reported.

To actively participate in the 'strengthened social distancing' announced by the Prime Minister, Daegu City requested all religious denominations to suspend gatherings until the 5th of next month. Furthermore, the city plans to conduct joint inspections with the police on churches and religious groups that show signs of holding collective worship services next weekend.

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