Kim Kang-lip "Metropolitan Area Cluster Infection → Nationwide Pandemic, This Week is a Turning Point"

383 Confirmed Cases Related to Sarang Jeil Church... Over 800 Outside Quarantine Network

On the 18th, the Ophthalmology Hospital at Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, was closed due to a COVID-19 diagnosis of a nurse affiliated with the hospital. The nurse visited Sarang Jeil Church on the 9th and worked normally from the 10th to the 14th. The hospital stated that the nurse was asymptomatic until testing positive the day before. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases has recorded triple digits for five consecutive days, the government judged that this week will be a crucial turning point in determining whether the cluster infections in the metropolitan area will escalate into a nationwide outbreak.

Kim Kang-lip, the first chief coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), said at a briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 18th, "It is difficult to confidently say whether we can contain the rapid spread of this cluster infection in a short time."

The government stated that it is considering raising social distancing to level 3. Kim said, "Since the cases are concentrated in the metropolitan area, we are contemplating what additional measures to take," adding, "If necessary measures are identified even today, we are prepared to implement them."

Kim emphasized, "We are currently facing a serious situation where, without swift and bold actions, the outbreak could escalate into a large-scale epidemic," and said, "The government will do its utmost to mobilize all resources and capabilities to prevent further spread of infections and protect the lives of the people."

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, reached 383 as of midnight on the day. The quarantine authorities have placed about 3,200 of the approximately 4,000 church members identified in connection with Sarang Jeil Church under quarantine and conducted tests on about 2,500.

The problem is that about 800 people remain outside the quarantine network. Kim said, "Among the secured list of about 4,000 church members, approximately 800 are in situations where testing and quarantine are difficult," adding, "We are cooperating with the National Police Agency to confirm their whereabouts."

He continued, "About 590 people’s residences and contact information have not been confirmed, and about 200 people cannot be reached," urging, "Church members are requested to voluntarily quarantine and get tested to protect the lives and safety of themselves, their families, and neighbors."

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