53 Confirmed Cases at Gwanghwamun Rally on the 15th... Occurrences in 9 Cities and Provinces

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been reported that more than 50 people tested positive for COVID-19 in connection with the large-scale rally held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul on the 15th. Most of the confirmed cases are high-risk individuals aged 60 and above, and since they are spread across the country, health authorities are on high alert.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at an online regular briefing on the 20th, "As of noon the previous day, a total of 53 confirmed cases related to the Gwanghwamun rally on the 15th have been identified," adding, "(Seongbuk-gu, Seoul) 33 confirmed cases are related to Sarang Jeil Church, and 20 others were confirmed to have stayed at the rally site."

According to health authorities, these confirmed cases are distributed across a total of nine cities and provinces nationwide. Additionally, about 70% of them are high-risk individuals aged 60 or older. Kim, the 1st General Coordinator, mentioned this point and said, "This is a major concern," urging, "Rapid testing is more important than anything else for the safety of oneself, family, and relatives."

Meanwhile, the government announced that as of 6 p.m. the previous day, a total of 3,263 people related to Sarang Jeil Church were tested, with 62 additional confirmed cases, bringing the total to 630 (positivity rate 19.3%). There are 11 facilities where additional cases related to Sarang Jeil Church have occurred, and including workplaces of confirmed cases, the total reaches 114 locations.

Kim, the General Coordinator, said, "Through in-depth epidemiological investigations, we are additionally securing lists of church members and visitors, but about 700 people have not been confirmed due to unverified contact information or refusal to be tested," adding, "We are obtaining contact information through cooperation with the police and mobile carriers and encouraging them to undergo rapid diagnostic testing."

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