Gangwon, Over 100 New Cumulative Cases in One Week Reaching 500s... Beware of 'n-th Infection'

Discussion on Raising Social Distancing Levels in Chuncheon and Others... Decision to Be Made on the 22nd After Monitoring the Situation

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The cumulative number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Gangwon region has sharply increased from the 400s to the 500s within a week. The spread of community 'n-th infection' continuing through families, workplaces, and schools has been found to be serious. A decision on raising the social distancing level to 1.5 in Chuncheon and other areas will be made on the 22nd.

According to health authorities on the 21st, as of 6 p.m. that day, 12 additional confirmed cases were reported in four cities and counties in Gangwon Province. By region, there were 7 in Chuncheon, 3 in Cheorwon, 1 in Hwacheon, and 1 in Sokcho.

From the 15th to that day, there were 109 confirmed cases in Gangwon Province over seven days, averaging 15.6 cases per day. Except for one day on the 17th since the 12th, the number of confirmed cases has been in double digits for nine consecutive days. The cumulative number of confirmed cases was tallied at 503.

The recent spread in Chuncheon, originating from contact with confirmed cases in the Seoul metropolitan area, is leading to second and third generation community infections. On the 19th, three people including the spouse and children were infected through Chuncheon case number 43, who tested positive after contact with Gyeonggi Ansan case number 216. Six colleagues of the spouse (case number 44) were also confirmed positive, and subsequently, five more people including the colleagues' family members and children were additionally confirmed. The total number of confirmed cases through n-th infections originating from the metropolitan area is 15.

Accordingly, comprehensive testing is being conducted for about 1,080 students and staff at three schools in Chuncheon?one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school?attended by the confirmed students. Previously, about 1,200 students and staff at the elementary school attended by the children of cases 43 and 44 were all tested negative.

The fifth confirmed case in Hwacheon is presumed to have been infected through contact with Chuncheon case number 43 on the 8th. In Cheorwon, three family members were confirmed positive through infection routes originating from the metropolitan area. The number of confirmed cases in Cheorwon has increased to 75. In Sokcho, a male worker at a nursing hospital tested positive that day. So far, eight people have been confirmed positive at this nursing hospital.

Health authorities stated that discussions are underway regarding raising the social distancing level to 1.5 in Chuncheon and other areas, and that a decision will be made on the 22nd after monitoring the results of the comprehensive school investigations and trends.

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