Rapid Surge of Confirmed Cases from Richway... 14 More Added, Total '153'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] Recently, cluster outbreaks of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been rapidly increasing, mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area.

As of noon on the 13th, 14 additional COVID-19 cases were confirmed related to the door-to-door sales company Richway in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. This brings the total number of confirmed cases related to Richway to 153.

At a regular briefing on the same day, the Central Disease Control Headquarters said, "Recent cluster outbreaks are related to activities where droplets can spread easily, such as singing hymns, eating, having snacks, and physical activities in underground or poorly ventilated environments, and failure to properly follow daily quarantine rules such as wearing masks and hand hygiene."

The Richway-related cluster infections have spread to more than eight places, including Myeongseong Housing (26 cases), NBS Partners (13 cases), Principle Language Institute (13 cases), and SJ Investment Call Center (10 cases).

Regarding the pioneering churches in Incheon and Gyeonggi in the metropolitan area, 5 additional cases were confirmed during quarantine testing, bringing the total to 100 so far. In relation to the table tennis center in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, one additional case was confirmed among contacts who were under self-quarantine, totaling 62 cases. At the Seongsim Daycare Center in Dobong-gu, Seoul, 2 additional cases were confirmed, increasing the total to 16.

Deputy Director Kwon Jun-wook of the Central Disease Control Headquarters explained, "Since May, the outbreak that started among young people in the metropolitan area, as well as in clubs and pubs, has spread through workplaces, religious facilities, and gatherings such as table tennis centers, eventually reaching nursing homes."

He added, "As the COVID-19 outbreak prolongs, fatigue with social distancing is increasing, and among young people there is a complacency thinking it is a 'mild illness to just get through,' which is becoming an obstacle to curbing the outbreak in the metropolitan area," urging special caution.

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