"Itaewon Club-Related 161 Confirmed Cases... Weekend Turning Point, Please Follow Quarantine Rules" (Update)

Eight confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) linked to the "Seoul Itaewon club" outbreak have been reported in the Incheon area. On the 13th, medical staff were busy at the screening clinic set up at Michuhol District Office in Incheon. The eight individuals who tested positive on this day were confirmed as contacts of Mr. A, a tutor at Seum Academy in Michuhol District, who visited clubs in Seoul's Itaewon area on the 2nd and 3rd of this month and was diagnosed positive on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The government announced that the total number of infections resulting from the Itaewon club cluster outbreak in Yongsan-gu, Seoul has reached 161. However, despite a significant expansion of diagnostic testing, there has been no rapid spread within the local community. As this weekend is a crucial turning point, the government urged those who have not yet undergone testing to get tested promptly and asked the public to adhere to daily quarantine guidelines.

Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Team at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 16th that there were 19 new confirmed cases as of midnight that day. Nine cases were from community infections including Itaewon clubs, and the remaining 10 were imported cases. The total number of confirmed cases is 11,037, of which 9,851 have recovered and been released from quarantine, and 924 are currently receiving treatment. A cumulative total of 740,645 diagnostic tests have been conducted. Two deaths were reported the previous day, bringing the total death toll to 262.

The quarantine authorities discussed matters requiring coordination between central ministries and 17 local governments for COVID-19 response at a meeting chaired by Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare (First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters). Minister Park stated, "Secondary or higher transmission cases, where confirmed patients from the Itaewon club cluster infected family members or the local community, account for 40%. This underscores how crucial the speed of rapid diagnostic testing and isolation measures is in preventing the spread of infection." He continued, "As we face the second weekend after implementing social distancing in daily life, I hope everyone fully practices daily quarantine rules such as hand washing, wearing masks, and cough etiquette."

The total number of patients from the Itaewon club cluster was counted as 161 as of midnight that day. Despite the significant expansion of diagnostic testing, the number of new cases per day remains under 30, indicating no rapid spread within the local community, according to Son Young-rae. He said, "So far, about 46,000 people related to this case have been tested." He added, "Since the introduction of anonymous testing, the number of people getting tested has rapidly increased." He also urged prompt participation in testing, saying, "We have expanded diagnostic testing infrastructure such as increasing screening clinics and revised the guidelines for disclosing confirmed patients’ movement paths to make it harder to identify visited facilities and individuals."

Among those subject to self-quarantine, a total of 43 people have violated quarantine rules and are currently wearing electronic wristbands (Ansim Bands). Twenty-two have been released from quarantine, and 21 are still wearing the bands.

Two people illegally left self-quarantine the previous day. Son Young-rae urged, "Those subject to self-quarantine should not violate quarantine rules such as unauthorized departure and must strictly follow the guidelines provided by the quarantine authorities."

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