Park Neung-hoo: "Serious Spread of COVID-19 Originating from Churches, Considering Strengthened Measures" (Update)

Park Neung-hoo, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare, left), is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) held at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 18th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), stated on the 17th, "The cluster infections at churches such as Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, are not limited to the first transmission but are spreading to second and third transmissions through other churches, multi-use facilities, and the August 15 rally." He urged, "Those who are members of Sarang Jeil Church, visitors to the church, and attendees of the August 15 rally should get tested at the nearest screening clinic."

Deputy Head Park said during his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the government Sejong Complex that morning, "At this critical point where the spread of COVID-19 is severe, the most important thing is rapid diagnostic testing, and speed is key."

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the number of new domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases exceeded 100 on the 14th with 103 cases, and over the following four days, a total of 713 new cases were reported in local areas (155 on the 15th, 267 on the 16th, and 188 on the 17th). Confirmed cases have been reported not only in the Seoul metropolitan area including Seoul and Gyeonggi but also in 12 other provinces nationwide, indicating a trend toward a large-scale outbreak.

Deputy Head Park emphasized, "The quarantine authorities are taking the current situation seriously and will consider more strengthened measures." He added, "Acts that do not comply with or obstruct the authorities' measures threaten the safety of our community. The government will strictly enforce relevant laws to protect the health of the people, and I want to emphasize this once again."

As the number of confirmed cases surged mainly in the metropolitan area, securing medical resources such as hospital beds and medical personnel has become urgent. Deputy Head Park said, "We will strengthen cooperation with local governments to prepare for the increase in patients. Mild cases will be treated at residential treatment centers, and severe cases will be treated at hospitals."

He also stated, "Throughout the long battle against COVID-19, the most reliable and greatest weapon of the quarantine authorities has been the cooperation and participation of the people, which is the most important means to slow the infection rate." He urged, "Following the implementation of the Level 2 social distancing measures in the metropolitan area from the 16th, please refrain from gatherings and outings and strictly adhere to quarantine rules such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing."

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