Gyeongbuk Province Issues Emergency Order to Mandate Diagnostic Testing for Participants from Seoul Metropolitan Area Churches and Gatherings

Sarangjeil Church Targets Participants of Gyeongbokgung Station and Liberation Day Rallies... Reports and Claims for Those Refusing or Avoiding Testing

On the morning of the 18th, when the nationwide cumulative number of COVID-19 cases related to 'Sarang Jeil Church' exceeded 400, the alley near Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, was blocked by vehicles.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] Gyeongsangbuk-do has issued an emergency administrative order mandating diagnostic testing for participants of church services and gatherings in the Seoul metropolitan area, effective noon on the 18th, amid rising concerns of a second wave of COVID-19 infections originating from the metropolitan area.

The diagnostic testing under the administrative order targets visitors to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, from July 7 to 13, participants of the gathering near Gyeongbokgung Station on the 8th, and participants of the Liberation Day gathering on the 15th. Those subject to the administrative order must undergo testing at screening clinics set up at public health centers in the Gyeongbuk region by the 25th, with testing fees waived.

Gyeongbuk Province stated that those who refuse or evade testing in violation of the administrative order will be reported under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act and fined up to 2 million KRW. Additionally, if confirmed cases occur, the province plans to seek compensation claims.

Tracing and management investigations will also be strengthened for those notified as contacts and participants of church visits and gatherings in the metropolitan area. As of now, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gyeongbuk is 1,375, including 4 cases related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul.

Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, urged, "For the safety of your family and neighbors, those who attended churches and gatherings must get tested to prevent community spread," adding, "Strong measures will be taken against those who violate the administrative order," and called for active cooperation from residents.

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