Cluster COVID-19 Infection at Nursing Facility in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul... 26 Confirmed Cases

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] The daily number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Seoul has exceeded 400. On the 26th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Seoul on the 25th was 466.

Although this is 86 fewer than the record high of 552 on the 24th, it once again recorded a figure in the high 400s, continuing the explosive spread. It is the third highest record following 473 cases on the 19th of this month.

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Seoul increased by 7 within 24 hours, bringing the total to 155. The infection routes of the 149th to 155th deceased were as follows: one from a nursing hospital in Guro-gu, two from a sauna in Seocho-gu, three under investigation, and one from contact with other confirmed cases.

The daily new confirmed cases in Seoul have remained above 300 for 11 consecutive days from the 15th to the 24th, with the numbers being 378 → 423 → 398 → 384 → 473 → 328 → 317 → 375 → 319 → 552 → 466.

The number of tests surged to 58,658 on the 24th (including 36,343 at temporary testing sites) but dropped significantly to 31,365 on the holiday of the 25th (including 15,575 at temporary testing sites).

Among the confirmed cases on the 25th, 9 were imported from overseas, and 457 were locally transmitted, i.e., domestic infections. At Seoul’s temporary screening clinics alone, 73 cases were confirmed. The cumulative number of confirmed cases from Seoul’s temporary testing sites has reached 634.

Cluster infections continue in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes. A new cluster infection occurred at a nursing facility in Yangcheon-gu, with a total of 26 confirmed cases. After a facility staff member was first confirmed positive on the 21st, residents, fellow workers, and family members were subsequently infected, with 21 confirmed cases reported just the day before. A total of 212 related individuals were tested, with 176 testing negative and 11 awaiting results. The health authorities have implemented cohort isolation within the facility and are investigating additional contacts and infection routes.

Regarding the large-scale cluster infection at Dongbu Detention Center, five family members of confirmed staff were additionally confirmed positive the day before, bringing the cumulative number of infections to 519 (515 in Seoul). The health authorities have temporarily closed the detention center.

Other cluster infection cases include 5 related to an insurance company in Mapo-gu, 5 related to a church in Gangseo-gu, 4 related to a nursing facility in Jongno-gu, 4 related to a call center in Jung-gu, and 3 related to a church in Geumcheon-gu.

Other cluster infections accounted for 3 cases, contact with other confirmed cases for 241 cases, and contact with confirmed cases from other cities or provinces for 16 cases. Cases with unknown infection routes under investigation numbered 150, accounting for 32.2% of the total new confirmed cases.

As of midnight on the 26th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Seoul stands at 10,768. There are 7,433 patients in isolation, and 9,480 have been released from isolation.

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