Even with Distance and Silence... 'Unlucky Infected Patients'

On the 31st, as the novel coronavirus infection rapidly spreads mainly in the metropolitan area and social distancing level 2.5 is in effect, citizens visiting a large coffee specialty store in Seoul are registering their personal information before purchasing beverages. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] A man in his 40s residing in Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the 30th of last month. According to the epidemiological investigation by health authorities, the man had symptoms of body aches starting from the 21st of last month. Authorities have been tracking his movements and contacts from the 19th to the 30th of last month, but no suspicious circumstances indicating the source of infection have been identified so far. Meanwhile, the man's wife and three children, a total of five family members, were all confirmed positive for COVID-19.

As domestic COVID-19 cluster infections rapidly spread, mainly centered around religious facilities in the metropolitan area, cases where it is difficult to identify the infection route are emerging in various places. Even when following preventive measures such as wearing masks and social distancing, 'unlucky infected individuals' who are exposed to confirmed patients' movements due to momentary lapses or unpredictable situations are appearing one after another.

Proportion of 'Infection Route Under Investigation' Hits Record High Amid Cluster Infection Spread

At a franchise coffee shop in Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province, 66 COVID-19 cases were reported as of the 26th of last month. Two individuals presumed to be index patients visited the store on the 8th of last month, after which the number of confirmed cases surged. Health authorities estimate that the virus emitted from the index patients spread to other customers inside the store via air conditioner airflow in the poorly ventilated enclosed space. CCTV footage confirmed that most customers wore masks upon entering the store, but mask-wearing was insufficient when they received their drinks and sat down at their seats.

As of midnight that day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea increased by 235, surpassing a cumulative total of 20,000 (20,182). Since the first confirmed case was reported on January 20 and the cumulative total reached 10,000 on April 3, it took 134 days for an additional 5,000 cases to be added; however, it took only 17 days for another 5,000 cases to increase thereafter. The cluster infections triggered by religious facilities in the metropolitan area, such as Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and Uri Jeil Church in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, resulted in 5,412 cases over 19 days from the 14th of last month to that day.

The proportion of 'cases under infection route investigation,' where it is unknown where or from whom the infection was contracted, also surged from 13.3% (93 out of 703) on the 15th of last month to 22.7% (1,007 out of 4,432) the day before. This is the highest figure since related statistics began being compiled in April. Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, expressed concern, saying, "The high number of cases under infection route investigation means there are many unidentified sources of infection," and added, "There are limitations to tracking all such sources through epidemiological investigations and isolating contacts."

Image source=Yonhap News

Mask Wearing and Social Distancing Compliance Are Solutions to Prevent Unlucky Infections

Ultimately, compliance with preventive measures such as properly wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines is confirmed through actual cases as the best way to prevent unlucky or unexpected infections. On the 23rd of last month, a 4-year-old girl, A, attending Jungang Kindergarten in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk Province, was diagnosed with COVID-19, but other children and teachers at the kindergarten all tested negative.

Director Jung said, "The infected child also wore a mask thoroughly, and strict adherence to preventive measures such as mask-wearing within the kindergarten prevented further transmission to other children and staff," adding, "Since the self-quarantine period is still ongoing, further observation is needed, but we thank the staff of Jungang Kindergarten in Gyeongsan."

Earlier, during the cluster infection related to the Paju coffee shop, none of the four store employees were infected with COVID-19. It was confirmed that they continuously wore protective masks while working. Foreign media outlets such as Bloomberg highlighted this point, describing it as "a case that shows how quickly the virus can spread in enclosed indoor spaces and how transmission can be minimized."

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