Can Suncheon Super-Spreader No. 75... 14 Confirmed Cases from Gym Cluster

Jeonnam Route 75, Using Gym Without Mask
14 COVID-19 Positive Cases in Suncheon, All Users of Cheongam Gym

On the morning of the 25th, at the Cheongam Fitness Center in Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, 14 users were collectively infected with COVID-19 in a single day.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] As COVID-19 infections increase in the Suncheon area of Jeollanam-do, originating from a Seoul-based door-to-door sales company, health authorities are on high alert.

In particular, concerns are growing over a cluster infection caused by a super-spreader, as a large number of confirmed cases at a gym have been traced back to contacts of Jeonnam patient number 75.

According to Jeollanam-do and Suncheon City on the 25th, 14 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 in Suncheon all attended the Cheongam Gym in Suncheon. This gym is where patient A, a woman in her 40s and Jeonnam patient number 75, exercised until the afternoon of the 20th. The initial infection route of patient A remains unclear, but the number of contacts at Cheongam Gym reaches approximately 380.

Patient A is an acquaintance of Jeonnam patient number 50, the first confirmed case in the recent resurgence of COVID-19 in Suncheon after the 20th of this month. Patient number 50 was infected after visiting a door-to-door sales company in Seoul. Patient A, who dined with patient number 50, lives in the same apartment as another confirmed case in Suncheon. Additionally, patient A visited the Suncheon E-Mart on the 18th at the same time as another confirmed patient.

After patient number 50 was confirmed positive, patient A was classified as a contact and underwent testing on the 21st, then entered self-quarantine. Patient A received confirmation of infection at 10 p.m. on the 22nd and was transferred to Suncheon Medical Center. Patient A’s spouse and two children tested negative and entered self-quarantine.

With 14 confirmed cases linked to the gym patient A attended and approximately 380 contacts identified, there is a high possibility that patient A is a super-spreader. Notably, patient A did not wear a mask while using the health club and sauna.

Health authorities are conducting an epidemiological investigation, noting that patient A met acquaintances and visited the health club an average of twice a day, coming into contact with many people. The investigation also includes locations patient A visited such as saunas, restaurants, cafes, and marts.

Authorities have identified about 30 close contacts and approximately 380 indirect contacts of patient A. They are also investigating whether there are additional close contacts due to the cluster of new confirmed cases.

From the 20th to the 23rd of this month, 16 confirmed cases were reported in Suncheon, and with 14 additional cases on this day, the total number of COVID-19 infections has risen to 30.

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