COVID-19 '4th Transmission' Confirmed in One Person: "Club→Contact→Noraebang→Detention Center Staff" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] A '4th transmission' case has been confirmed in relation to the mass infection originating from Itaewon clubs in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

On the 16th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, explained at a regular briefing held at the government Sejong Complex, "One person has been confirmed as a 4th transmission case related to the mass infection that started at the Itaewon clubs," adding, "There was a 2nd transmission, followed by a 3rd transmission at a specific karaoke room, and then a 4th transmission occurred from a visitor of the karaoke room to another acquaintance." The confirmed case from the 4th transmission was a Seoul detention center employee who was infected through contact with a confirmed patient who had visited the karaoke room.

As of 12 PM on the same day, the number of confirmed cases related to the Itaewon club mass infection stands at 162, an increase of one from midnight. Among the confirmed cases, 88 were club visitors, and the remaining 74 were contacts such as family members, acquaintances, and colleagues.

By region, Seoul had the highest number with 90 cases, followed by Gyeonggi with 31, and Incheon with 23, mostly concentrated in the metropolitan area.

Deputy Director Kwon stated, "I emphasized the importance of quickly blocking community transmission after the club-related confirmed cases occurred," adding, "Fortunately, there has been no explosive outbreak so far. This is due to the desperate efforts of local governments in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon to conduct extensive diagnostic testing and to identify and take measures regarding the movements of confirmed patients after visiting clubs." He also added that in the case of infections at Hongdae pubs, a connection with Itaewon clubs was found, confirming that it was not a separate transmission route.

Furthermore, a significant number of those subject to testing related to Itaewon clubs have undergone testing. He said, "As of 6 PM on the 15th, 56,239 people related to Itaewon clubs and other locations have undergone diagnostic testing, an increase of about 10,000 compared to the previous day," adding, "It is estimated that many of the tracked individuals, including those from nine locations such as Itaewon clubs, have been tested."

However, as seen in the club infections, complacency is dangerous, and if one is not always cautious, mass infections can occur. Deputy Director Kwon warned, "The government and others are making every effort in the initial response to reduce the speed and scale of the spread," emphasizing, "Since May 2nd, anyone who has visited clubs or entertainment establishments, or visited any of the nine repeatedly exposed locations including Itaewon clubs, or contacted acquaintances who have visited, should promptly undergo diagnostic testing." He also urged full cooperation with epidemiological investigations and stated that any attempts at falsehood, concealment, or evasion will be dealt with strictly.

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