Gumi 10, Sangju 8, Pohang 6... 34 New COVID-19 Cases Across Gyeongbuk

26th: 2 Cases Each in Gyeongju, Yeongju, Yeongcheon, Gyeongsan, Yeongdeok
Cluster Infection at Church with 'Underground Worship and Meals' in Sangju
As of Midnight on 27th, Cumulative COVID-19 Cases in Gyeongbuk Reach 2,262

On the afternoon of the 25th, when the number of new COVID-19 cases reached the 1,200s, medical staff are warming up at a temporary screening clinic set up in Seoul Plaza.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] As church-related COVID-19 n-th infections continue in various parts of Gyeongbuk, including Gumi Songjeong Church, a cluster infection has also occurred in Sangju City.

According to Gyeongbuk Province on the 27th, as of midnight, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the Gyeongbuk area increased by 34 from the previous day to 2,262 (including 112 imported cases).

The number of new confirmed cases by region is 10 in Gumi, 8 in Sangju, 6 in Pohang, and 2 each in Gyeongju, Yeongju, Yeongcheon, Gyeongsan, and Yeongdeok.

Among the 10 new confirmed cases in Gumi City, 7 are contacts of confirmed cases related to Songjeong Church, where chain infections are continuing. Two others are contacts of confirmed cases from Daegu, and another 3 are contacts of a prior confirmed case (Gumi case number 142). Since the first confirmed case at Gumi Songjeong Church on the 20th, the related confirmed cases have reached 54.

The 8 new confirmed cases in Sangju City are all the pastor and congregants of Han Yeonghon Church located in Gaewoon-dong. At this church, after congregant A was confirmed positive on the 23rd following symptoms such as chills, muscle pain, and cough and testing at a screening clinic, a cluster infection pattern has emerged. According to the investigation by health authorities, the church held worship services in the basement and shared meals together, raising concerns about widespread transmission.

Among the 6 new confirmed cases in Pohang City, the infection route for 5 is unknown. One other is a contact of a prior confirmed case (Pohang case number 156). Since the confirmation of a business owner (Pohang case number 188) operating a soju bar on the 24th, followed by customers testing positive, Pohang City is on high alert. Pohang City has issued a special administrative order mandating testing for all residents in the Guryongpo area.

Among the new confirmed cases in Gyeongju City, one is a contact of a confirmed case from Pohang (Pohang case number 169), and another is a contact of a confirmed case from Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Although there are concerns about n-th infections related to Seonggwang Church in Seonggeon-dong, no new confirmed cases were reported on the 26th.

The 2 new confirmed cases in Yeongju City are contacts of a prior confirmed case (Yeongju case number 21), and the 2 new confirmed cases in Yeongcheon City are imported cases from North America.

The 2 new confirmed cases in Gyeongsan City are contacts of prior confirmed cases (Gyeongsan case numbers 709 and 748), and the 2 new confirmed cases in Yeongdeok County are contacts of confirmed cases from Dalseo-gu, Daegu.

In Gyeongsangbuk-do, 313 local residents (excluding imported cases) have been newly confirmed in the past week, recording a weekly daily average of 44.7 local infection cases.

Meanwhile, in Gyeongbuk, after the daily confirmed cases peaked at 122 on March 6, the highest in the province, the number dropped to 31 on March 8. However, after showing the same daily confirmed case number of 31 on December 17, the cases surged to 59 on the 21st and 67 on the 24th, showing no signs of the spread slowing down.

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