In Gyeongju and Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 'Invisible' COVID-19 Cases Continue... Pohang City Enforces Mandatory Masks Even Outdoors

Following 6 cases the previous day, 5 more confirmed on the 18th... Cumulative COVID-19 cases in Gyeongbuk reach 1,460 as of midnight

A Panama-flagged cargo ship, whose crew members were collectively diagnosed with COVID-19, is docked at Pohang New Port in Gyeongbuk on the 10th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongwook Park] Five more confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been reported in Gyeongbuk. In particular, with confirmed cases of unknown infection routes emerging for two consecutive days, quarantine authorities are on high alert.

According to Gyeongbuk Province on the 17th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 1,460 as of midnight that day, with five new cases added the previous day?two in Pohang and three in Gyeongju. The number of recovered patients and deaths are 1,361 and 59, respectively.

A resident in their 40s in Pohang, Mr. A, whose infection route is unknown, was tested at the Pohang Buk-gu Public Health Center on the 15th after experiencing cold symptoms such as coughing and chills, and was notified of a positive diagnosis on the 17th. Additionally, a resident in their 50s who had contact with Mr. A was confirmed positive after being tested due to a sore throat. The cumulative confirmed cases in Pohang stand at 69.

In Gyeongju, three people were confirmed positive: two residents in their 50s with unknown infection routes and one person related to the Chilgok wild ginseng (Jangnoesam) briefing session. The cumulative confirmed cases in Gyeongju total 76.

On the 16th in Pohang, a single elderly person in their 90s was found unconscious by a caregiver and transported to the hospital but passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The female caregiver was also infected. The infection routes for these cases remain unidentified.

Meanwhile, as confirmed cases of community infection surged recently, Pohang City issued an administrative order mandating mask-wearing throughout the city starting at midnight on the 18th. The enforcement applies to all places except when alone indoors, where masks must be worn at all times.

Mayor Kang Daek said at a press conference held on the 17th in the city hall briefing room with Kang Jaemyung, head of Pohang City's Infectious Disease Response Headquarters, "The administrative order for mandatory mask-wearing is a measure to ensure the safety of 520,000 citizens and tourists visiting the area," urging active participation from citizens.

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