576 Confirmed Cases Related to BTJ Yeolbang Center... 67% of Visitors Did Not Get Tested, 'Emergency' (Update)

Sangwon Lee, Head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Central Disease Control Headquarters [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) related to the BTJ Yeolbang Center in Sangju-si, Gyeongbuk, approaches 600, about 70% of those estimated to have visited the facility have not yet undergone diagnostic testing, raising alarms. The quarantine authorities urged visitors and contacts of the facility to get tested promptly and stated that they would not hesitate to impose legal sanctions if they fail to comply.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 12th, as of midnight, the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed cases related to the BTJ Yeolbang Center was counted at 576. Specifically, from November 27 to December 27 last year, a total of 2,797 people visited the center, among whom 126 were confirmed positive. Additionally, 53 of these confirmed cases were found to have transmitted the virus to 450 others through 9 cities and provinces and 27 religious facilities and gatherings.

So far, only 924 visitors (33%) of the total BTJ Yeolbang Center visitors have been tested, while the remaining 1,873 (67%) have not even undergone testing. According to the quarantine authorities, many visitors are either unreachable or deny having visited the center even when contacted, making epidemiological investigations difficult.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the CDCH, stated, "Considering the current positive rate, it is judged that the positive rate among those who have not yet been tested is by no means low." He emphasized, "Given the severe situation worldwide and in our country, the uncooperative attitude of the BTJ Yeolbang Center could cause significant harm to society as a whole."

He added, "For everyone's safety, those who have visited the BTJ Yeolbang Center should get tested," and "Through administrative orders, visitors will be urged to get tested promptly, and at the same time, in cooperation with the police, strong enforcement of compulsory measures under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act will be carried out."

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