Confirmed cases related to BTJ Yeolbang Center rise to 713... 1,330 still untested (Update)

At the entrance of the 'BTJ Yeolbang Center' in Sangju City, Gyeongbuk, a facility closure order from Sangju City is posted. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases related to the BTJ Yeolbang Center in Sangju-si, Gyeongbuk, where a cluster infection occurred, has exceeded 700. More than 1,300 people have yet to undergo diagnostic testing, raising concerns among health authorities.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 14th, as of 6 p.m. the previous day, the total number of confirmed cases related to the BTJ Yeolbang Center was 713. This is an increase of 51 from 662 cases as of midnight the same day. Among visitors to the center, 229 were confirmed positive, and some of them further transmitted the virus to 484 people across nine cities and provinces.

Health authorities estimate that about 3,000 people have visited the center since November last year. Among them, 1,330 have not been tested, indicating a high possibility that the number of related confirmed cases will increase.

At a regular briefing that day, Kwon Jun-wook, the 2nd Deputy Director of the CDCH, requested, "Please keep in mind that this is a serious situation where the entire nation is making sacrifices to restore ordinary daily life. We ask that you promptly get tested so that the hard efforts made so far will not be in vain."

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