Two Weeks After Lifting Small Group Ban... Another Cluster Infection at Church

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As a series of new coronavirus infections occur mainly in small churches in the Seoul metropolitan area, quarantine authorities are on high alert.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, expressed concern at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the 7th, saying, "Two weeks after lifting the administrative order restricting gatherings such as church small group meetings on the 24th of last month, the same type of cluster infections as before are occurring in the metropolitan area."

According to the quarantine authorities, as of 12 noon on the same day, the number of confirmed cases related to 'Gippeum153 Church' in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do increased by 7 to a total of 15. In this church, infections have continued after the wife of a church staff member who is a health teacher tested positive on the 4th. Among the 15 confirmed cases, 5 are family members including the first patient (index patient), and the rest are 3 church members, 6 coworkers, and 1 acquaintance.

Cluster infections were also confirmed in other churches. At 'Banseok Church' in Goyang-si, after the index patient tested positive on the 5th, 7 out of 18 contacts under investigation were additionally confirmed positive. The total number of confirmed cases related to Banseok Church is 8. Among the additional confirmed cases, 5 are church members, and 1 each are family members of the church members and the index patient. Head Jung explained, "Like Gippeum153 Church, it was confirmed that they had meals together after worship."

Additional confirmed cases were also reported related to a coffee shop in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and a restaurant in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu. One more family member of the previously confirmed restaurant operator tested positive, bringing the total confirmed cases to 16.

Head Jung requested, "Masks must never be removed during religious events," and asked, "Please refrain from group meals, choir activities, and small group meetings where infection can spread through droplets."

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