Two Confirmed Cases in 9th Test at Dongbu Detention Center... Three Transferred to Nambu Also Confirmed Positive

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Two additional confirmed cases were reported in the comprehensive COVID-19 testing at Seoul Dongbu Detention Center. Three inmates transferred from Dongbu Detention Center to Seoul Nambu Prison also tested positive.

On the 15th, the Ministry of Justice announced that in the 9th comprehensive test conducted the previous day on employees and inmates of Dongbu Detention Center, two male inmates tested positive.

Accordingly, as of 8 a.m. that day, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in correctional facilities nationwide was counted at 1,254. This includes 738 in isolation, 349 released from isolation, and 167 discharged inmates. By institution, the numbers are 430 at Dongbu Detention Center, 237 at Gyeongbuk Northern 2 Prison, 15 at Gwangju Prison, 18 at Nambu Prison, and 4 at Seoul Detention Center.

In particular, the comprehensive test conducted the previous day at Dongbu Detention Center identified two additional confirmed cases. Although the number of confirmed cases has significantly decreased, continuous comprehensive testing is still yielding positive results, indicating the ongoing need to detect asymptomatic infections early.

Moreover, three inmates transferred from Dongbu Detention Center to Nambu Prison also tested positive, suggesting that the cluster infection originating from Dongbu Detention Center has not yet reached a resolution stage.

However, no additional confirmed cases have been reported at Suwon Detention Center and Incheon Detention Center, which are high-rise building-type correctional facilities like Dongbu Detention Center. Due to concerns about a possible second Dongbu Detention Center incident, the Ministry of Justice has established an immediate activation system for isolation rooms for confirmed cases and quarantine housing for close contacts.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice granted parole to approximately 970 inmates nationwide whose sentences have been finalized the previous day. This measure was taken to prevent further cluster infections of COVID-19. The eligible individuals included those with underlying health conditions, elderly inmates, and model prisoners. Those serving life or long-term sentences, as well as offenders involved in sexual violence, drunk driving, and other socially disruptive crimes, were excluded. Among the eligible inmates, 16 confirmed cases were sent to residential treatment facilities or placed under self-quarantine at home considering their initial onset dates, while non-confirmed inmates were advised to refrain from going out for two weeks.

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