Authorities: "Sporadic COVID-19 Transmission Possible in Itaewon Area from Late April" (Update)

On the 8th, a citizen is passing in front of 'King Club' in Itaewon, Seoul, where a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) had visited. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The quarantine authorities announced on the 9th that they are conducting epidemiological investigations, as it is highly likely that COVID-19 has been sporadically spreading around clubs in the Itaewon area since the end of last month. Although the patient from Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, was first confirmed positive on the 6th, many additional infections have since been reported.

At the regular briefing on the same day, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, stated, "So far, it seems quite likely that the situation is already somewhat sporadic or involves separate links, rather than transmission from a single source or one index patient."

Regarding the 'Yongin patient number 66,' who was first identified in this Itaewon club cluster infection, the investigation revealed that symptoms began on the 2nd. Among the 27 people presumed to be infected in connection with the Itaewon clubs as of 9 a.m. that day, two more patients also started showing symptoms on the same day. Furthermore, the quarantine authorities believe there is a high possibility of other sources of infection, as some patients developed symptoms after visiting the clubs on days when Yongin patient number 66 did not visit.

Accordingly, the quarantine authorities requested those who visited clubs in the Itaewon area between 10 p.m. on the 29th of last month, when the clubs reopened, and the early morning of the 6th, when the first confirmed case was reported, to refrain from going out. Deputy Head Kwon said, "Visitors during that period have a high risk of exposure," and urged, "Please stay at home and report your visit to the establishments to the public health center or the 1339 Disease Control Headquarters call center, and follow the instructions."

He also emphasized that if individuals had close contact with unspecified many people in enclosed spaces such as clubs or pubs around the same time and exhibit fever or respiratory symptoms, diagnostic testing through public health centers or screening clinics is necessary. The quarantine authorities also requested local governments and medical institutions to actively conduct diagnostic tests.

Deputy Head Kwon said, "So far, four cases of community transmission related to the facility (family, acquaintances, etc.) have been identified, but more are expected. Even if not at the same time as the club visit, there is a sufficient possibility of more patients emerging through other connections," adding, "Due to the nature of the virus, complete eradication is nearly impossible, and sporadic occurrences in the community can continue to some extent."

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