Authorities Confirm Variant Virus Detected in Samples from 3 Family Members Arriving from the UK (Update)

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] A new variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected in South Korea.

On the 28th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced that whole genome sequencing analysis of samples from three COVID-19 confirmed cases who arrived from the United Kingdom on the 22nd confirmed the presence of the UK variant virus in their samples.

These three individuals are a family residing in London, UK, who tested positive for COVID-19 during diagnostic testing conducted after their arrival and are currently under quarantine. The health authorities stated, "This family was confirmed positive during airport quarantine testing and had no contact with the local community," adding, "Detailed information will be provided in a briefing scheduled for 2 p.m. today."

Meanwhile, another family of four who arrived from the UK on the 8th and 13th also tested positive for COVID-19, and authorities are investigating whether they are infected with the variant virus. Among this family, an elderly man in his 80s was posthumously confirmed positive on the 26th at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, and subsequently, three other family members tested positive. Whole genome sequencing analysis of their samples is currently underway.

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