'Confirmed Resident Doctor' Jeonnam National University Hospital Emergency Room Closed... Full Testing of Patients and Medical Staff

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] As medical staff at Jeonnam National University Hospital were consecutively diagnosed with COVID-19, the emergency room and outpatient treatment areas of Jeonnam National University Hospital have been temporarily closed until the 16th.

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 14th, following the diagnosis of one neurosurgery resident at Jeonnam National University Hospital the previous day, his spouse, fellow doctors, and a nurse at Hwasun Jeonnam National University Hospital were additionally confirmed positive on the same day.

The health authorities are conducting an epidemiological investigation, presuming the infection chain among the residents originated from a social gathering.

In addition, diagnostic tests are being conducted on about 5,000 people including medical staff and patients, including 690 individuals from whom specimens have already been collected.

Approximately 200 people, including patients and medical staff at a general hospital where a doctor diagnosed positive on this day belongs, are also subject to testing.

Health authorities are known to be conducting risk assessments of these hospitals as soon as test results come out, and if necessary, considering transferring existing patients to other hospitals or cohort isolation. The resumption of medical services at Jeonnam National University Hospital is also expected to be discussed.

Park Hyang, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau of the city, emphasized, “As seen in this case, COVID-19 is spreading in situations where masks inevitably have to be removed,” and added, “It is important to follow daily life rules such as avoiding long conversations or crowded spaces.”

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