Karaoke, Why Is It a Link in Nth Infection?..."Virus Spreads to Hallway During Ventilation"

Jung Eun-kyung "Karaoke rooms are enclosed, crowded, poorly ventilated... also difficult to wear masks"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Cases of 'Nth infection' mediated by karaoke rooms are occurring in the cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originating from Itaewon clubs.

Health authorities stated that the cause of infection transmission was the inadequate wearing of masks in the characteristic environment of karaoke rooms, where many droplets are generated while singing and ventilation is difficult.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), said at a regular briefing held on the 17th at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "There are about three karaoke rooms exposed to infection, and investigations into karaoke rooms are ongoing."

Among them, 'Byeolbyeol Coin Karaoke' in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, and 'Gawang Coin Karaoke Practice Room' in Dobong-gu were both found to have mediated the 4th infection related to the Itaewon clubs.

Head Jung said, "Coin karaoke rooms are very small, crowded, and have insufficient ventilation," and viewed that these spatial characteristics of karaoke rooms influenced the spread of infection.

She especially noted that ventilation was likely inadequate, explaining, "Usually, after singing, people open the door to ventilate, but since the ventilation is not outdoors but into a shared corridor, the air spreads there, possibly infecting those nearby."

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