Due to Spread from Richway and Church... 1 in 4 Confirmed Cases in a Week Are Elderly (Update)

On the 8th, at the screening clinic set up at Gwanak-gu Public Health Center in Seoul, citizens are waiting to get tested as secondary infections related to Richway, a multi-level marketing company selling health products for the elderly, continue to spread. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Due to a cluster infection originating from the elderly health product multi-level marketing company 'Richway,' one out of every four confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past week was a senior aged 65 or older. The elderly, who have weakened immune systems, are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 along with pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), stated at a regular briefing held on the 10th at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "Among the new confirmed cases from the 31st of last month to the 6th of this month, 74 were seniors aged 65 or older, accounting for 26.6% of the total."

In particular, the proportion of those aged 65 or older was high at recently confirmed cluster infection sites. In cases related to Richway, it was 54.1%, and in cases related to the metropolitan area Pioneer Church, it reached 31.5%.

The health authorities explained that as the number of elderly confirmed cases increases, the number of severe or critical patients is also on the rise. Head Jung said, "Since May, the number of severe patients among confirmed cases has been increasing, and three deaths have occurred among them," urging, "Special caution is needed for the elderly."

She also requested, "Seniors aged 65 or older should avoid gatherings in enclosed spaces without windows or proper ventilation, and if attendance is unavoidable, please refrain from eating or singing."

Meanwhile, as of 12 noon on the same day, the number of confirmed cases related to the Coupang logistics center reached 144. Confirmed cases related to Richway, the metropolitan area Pioneer Church, and the Yangcheon-gu table tennis hall were 93, 92, and 54, respectively.

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