Four Police Officers Deployed at Gwangbokjeol Rally Test Positive for COVID-19 (Comprehensive)

Police to Conduct Full Investigation by the 21st

Gwangbokjeol Gwanghwamun Rally. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police have confirmed that four officers who were deployed at the Gwangbokjeol rally in Gwanghwamun on the 15th have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) amid a full-scale investigation of all officers involved.

According to the police on the 20th, four officers from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's riot police unit who were deployed at the Gwangbokjeol rally tested positive on the same day. These officers were under self-quarantine. The police, together with health authorities, have taken quarantine measures at their respective units.

Initially, three positive cases were identified, but one more case was added later. Therefore, the possibility of an increase in confirmed cases cannot be ruled out.

A total of 7,613 officers from about 90 companies across 14 local police agencies were deployed at the Gwangbokjeol rally. They were stationed at Gwanghwamun Station, Gyeongbokgung Station, and other locations to maintain order during the rally.

As multiple confirmed cases emerged among officers deployed at the Gwangbokjeol rally, the police are conducting COVID-19 tests on all officers who were present at the scene. The full-scale investigation is scheduled to be completed by the 21st.

The police plan to sequentially redeploy police units that test negative back to the field. A police official stated, "We will do our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to ensure the safety and health of the public and officers on the ground."

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