8 Cases of Group Infection at Hanyeonghon Church in Sangju, Gyeongbuk... Worship and Meals at Underground Church

On the 25th, 1 case confirmed, followed by 7 additional cases early on the 26th... 8 confirmed out of 61 contacts tested

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] A cluster infection originating from a church has occurred in Sangju City, Gyeongbuk, where news of new coronavirus infections (COVID-19) had been scarce.

According to Sangju City on the 26th, eight people including the pastor of Han Young Hon Church in Gaewoon-dong, his family, and church members tested positive for COVID-19. Among them, one person (Sangju case number 24) was confirmed positive on the 25th after experiencing chills, muscle pain, and cough, and seven others (Sangju case numbers 25 to 31), classified as contacts, were notified of their positive results in the early hours of the 26th after testing.

The Sangju City health authorities conducted a full investigation of the church where the confirmed case occurred on the 25th, during which seven additional people including the pastor were confirmed positive.

A Sangju City official stated, "It is presumed that the cause of the cluster infection was holding worship services and sharing meals in a basement location with inadequate ventilation," adding, "We are currently identifying the exact number of church members and contacts."

The cumulative number of confirmed cases in the Sangju area increased to 31 as of 9 a.m. on the 26th.

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