All Inmates at Jeju Prison Tested Negative... Heightened Alert for Potential Latent or Asymptomatic Cases

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters (Jeju) Reporter Park Chang-won] Despite all inmates and staff at Jeju Prison testing negative in a full-scale inspection, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province's quarantine authorities remain vigilant, considering the possibility of asymptomatic latent confirmed cases.

The quarantine authorities announced on the 5th that they will implement special COVID-19 management measures within Jeju Prison.

Previously, all 861 inmates and staff at Jeju Prison tested negative in diagnostic tests.

On the 4th, the quarantine authorities and Jeju Prison blocked external access by placing the prison under cohort isolation level. This is because if confirmed cases overlap in movement paths, there is a high possibility of a large-scale group infection.

The inspection subjects had their entry and exit routes separated to prevent overlap between those who completed testing and those waiting.

Additionally, before the test results were announced, the prison cafeteria was closed, and inmates and staff replaced meals with packed lunches.

The quarantine authorities provided prior training to the inspection subjects on necessary supplies and specimen collection methods.

To ensure rapid hospital transfer in case of confirmed cases, a 119 negative pressure ambulance was also kept on standby.

The quarantine authorities distributed 30,000 KF94 masks to Jeju Prison and provided 3,000 of the same masks to Hangil Information Communication School (Jeju Juvenile Detention Center).

Lee Seung-hyuk, an epidemiologist from Jeju Province, said, “The confirmed Jeju Prison staff member had no contact with inmates, and since all inmates and staff tested negative, the possibility of additional infections is considered low. However, because there may be latent or asymptomatic infections, we are closely monitoring the situation.”

Im Tae-bong, controller of Jeju Province Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said, “During this epidemiological investigation, it was confirmed that the correctional facility is overcrowded relative to its capacity. To prevent further confirmed cases, we will discuss with the prison to find ways to reduce close contact, confined spaces, and overcrowding.”

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