Three Family Members Infected with UK-Origin COVID-19 Variant Confirmed... Total 15 Cases

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Additional cases of infection with the new coronavirus variant originating from the United Kingdom have been confirmed domestically.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 7th, a family of four who arrived from the UK on the 19th of last month tested positive. Among them, the variant virus from the UK was detected in samples from three individuals. Testing for variant infection is ongoing for the remaining one person.

The previously confirmed infected individual is the ninth case of the variant virus identified in the country and was diagnosed positive while in self-quarantine on the 20th of last month, the day after arriving from the UK.

The CDCH is investigating under the assumption that the family members of the previously infected person were infected while bringing the confirmed patient from the airport to their home. They all entered self-quarantine starting from the 20th of last month, when the ninth patient was confirmed.

Depending on the results of future epidemiological investigations, including the movements of the family of four, the possibility of local transmission linked to them cannot be ruled out. However, the CDCH considers the likelihood of community transmission to be low.

Including the three additional family members confirmed this time, the total number of domestic cases infected with variant viruses circulating in the UK and South Africa has increased to 15. Among them, 14 were infected with the UK variant and one with the South African variant.

Meanwhile, the quarantine authorities have decided that starting from the 12th, all arrivals from the UK and South Africa, regardless of nationality, will be quarantined in temporary living facilities and undergo diagnostic testing even if they submit a negative PCR test certificate. They will remain in quarantine until a negative result is confirmed. Additionally, the suspension of flights from the UK will be extended for two weeks until the 21st.

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