[Q&A] "Additional Spread at Itaewon Clubs, Critical Week Ahead... Efforts to Avoid Testing Bias"

Due to the group infection at Itaewon clubs, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is rapidly increasing. On the 11th, foreigners and citizens who visited the screening clinic at Yongsan-gu Public Health Center in Seoul lined up to get tested. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The quarantine authorities urged, regarding the occurrence of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) related to Itaewon clubs in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, that "this week is a very critical period to minimize the spread caused by second and third transmissions," and requested, "Those who visited entertainment facilities in Itaewon should promptly get tested."

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, said at a regular briefing on the afternoon of the 11th, "Most Itaewon entertainment facilities operated between May 2 and 6, and many confirmed cases were among those exposed during this period," adding, "Considering the average incubation period, it is estimated that many cases will develop between May 7 and 13."

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, as of 12 p.m. on the same day, there are 86 confirmed cases related to Itaewon clubs. Among them, 63 are club visitors, and 23 are confirmed as second transmissions among family, acquaintances, and colleagues. Jung said, "No third transmission cases have been identified yet."

The number of related confirmed cases by region is 51 in Seoul, 21 in Gyeonggi, 7 in Incheon, 5 in Chungbuk, 1 in Busan, and 1 in Jeju. Regarding the patients' gender, 78 are male and 8 are female. By age group, those in their 20s are the most with 58 cases, and 18 people in their 30s have also been confirmed positive. Jung stated, "30 people tested positive while asymptomatic at the time of confirmation," accounting for about 35% of the total.

According to the quarantine authorities and Seoul city, 5,517 people have been confirmed to have visited Itaewon clubs from April 24 to May 6, and among them, 2,456 have undergone diagnostic testing. It has been identified that about 100 foreigners also visited, and the quarantine authorities and local governments are attempting to contact them.

Jung emphasized, "Public health centers and medical institution screening clinics are requested to thoroughly protect personal information and conduct tests for those who visited Itaewon entertainment facilities regardless of symptoms," adding, "The quarantine authorities will also strive to ensure that no one experiences inconvenience or prejudice in diagnostic testing."

The following are key Q&A from Jung's briefing on the day

- What is the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's stance regarding the postponement of school attendance?

▲ Since high school seniors are scheduled to return to school this Wednesday, the education and quarantine authorities are very concerned. The epidemiological investigation and situation regarding the Itaewon club cluster outbreak are ongoing, and based on the progress by today, the education authorities and related agencies will consult and make decisions. (From the KDCA's perspective) the list of exposed individuals has not yet been fully identified, and investigations into contacts and second and third transmissions are ongoing, so there is some risk of community infection. We will coordinate with the education authorities on these matters.

- Regarding patient number 66 in Yongin, who was referred to as the index patient the day before, has any information been identified about this patient's infection route?

▲ The index patient refers to the first recognized patient. Epidemiological investigations have not yet confirmed any cases with an earlier onset date than this patient. Since there are also asymptomatic infected individuals, a detailed epidemiological analysis is needed to determine when exposure occurred. We are continuing to investigate the patient's movements during the two weeks prior to May 2 to assess exposure risk. Among those who had contact, no positive cases have been identified so far.

- As confirmed cases related to Itaewon clubs increase, there are concerns about a second Shincheonji outbreak. How does the impact compare?

▲ The impact has not yet reached the level of the Shincheonji outbreak, but since the incubation period has not passed, a more detailed investigation and observation are needed for comparison. However, because the exposure occurred in confined spaces with very close contact and without mask-wearing, it is judged that the positive rate and incidence rate are somewhat high due to droplet or contact transmission between individuals.

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