Sporadic COVID-19 Transmission Continues Through Family and Acquaintance Gatherings (Update)

Central Disease Control Headquarters, Domestic Status as of 12 PM on the 12th

On the afternoon of the 12th, a daycare center in Sangdae-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. After health authorities tested 18 individuals at this daycare center for COVID-19 infection, it was confirmed that 3 children and 4 teachers and staff members were infected with COVID-19.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Sporadic cluster infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are occurring one after another through family or acquaintances gatherings in the metropolitan area, Busan, Daejeon, and other regions.

According to the domestic status compiled by the Central Disease Control Headquarters as of 12 noon on this day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases related to a family gathering in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, was identified as 14. The authorities estimate that during the holiday period, a family gathered for a meal, and the grandson was infected, who then further transmitted the virus to the daycare center he attended. After the first confirmed case on the 10th, 13 additional infections were confirmed during contact tracing. Including the first patient, there are 7 family members and 7 individuals at the daycare center (4 staff members and 3 children).

In Seoul, the number of confirmed cases related to a funeral hall in Seodaemun-gu increased to 11. This includes 4 family members including the first patient and 7 people who attended the funeral. The authorities believe the infection was spread through the funeral held at the end of last month. In Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, a gathering among friends led to an increase in infections, with the cumulative number of patients rising to 15. These include attendees of the gathering, their families, and coworkers.

At 'Sports Island' in Suwon City, after the first patient was identified on the 6th, 5 additional people tested positive, bringing the total confirmed cases to 6. In Busan, the cumulative number of patients related to Pyeonggang Clinic in Geumjeong-gu increased to 15. Another cluster related to acquaintances and a medical institution in Busanjin-gu also has a cumulative total of 15 patients.

Regarding the cluster infections among Nepalese entrants, who make up a large portion of imported cases, the government decided to review the reliability of diagnostic testing institutions through Korean diplomatic missions in the area. Thirteen foreigners who entered from Nepal were involved in the cluster infection, and they had all presented negative COVID-19 test certificates upon entry. Director Jeong Eun-kyung stated at a briefing that "All entrants on the 10th brought negative test certificates issued within 72 hours, but some tested positive in domestic tests," adding, "We will verify the reliability of the medical institutions issuing these certificates locally."

She continued, "Since the sensitivity of PCR diagnostic reagents may vary by country, we will consider viral load and symptom presence when making judgments," and added, "As the number of patients has recently surged, we regularly conduct risk assessments of foreign countries and designate them as targets for strengthened quarantine measures or monitoring, implementing various actions accordingly."

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