All Negative in Additional Tests at Nambu Prison... Focus on Early Containment of Cluster Infection

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Concerns about COVID-19 cluster infections in correctional facilities are growing again. Although the spread of cluster infections that started at Seoul Dongbu Detention Center has subsided, nearly 10 inmates at Seoul Nambu Prison have recently tested positive. The Ministry of Justice has formed a task force and taken immediate measures such as isolating contacts, but due to variables like asymptomatic infections, close monitoring is still necessary.

According to the Ministry of Justice and quarantine authorities on the 3rd, 9 COVID-19 cases were confirmed at Nambu Prison the previous day. One inmate working in the kitchen showed fever symptoms and tested positive on an antigen test, and five other inmates working in the same area were also confirmed positive.

Vice Minister Lee Yong-gu inspected the site and organized an on-site task force, ordering single-room isolation for all contacts. Especially fearing additional confirmed cases, 42 non-infected inmates were urgently transferred to Yeongwol Prison, and additional single rooms were secured for isolating confirmed and contact cases.

All inmates tested after the confirmed cases were negative. Separate testing will be conducted for staff members who did not undergo testing due to days off, including those transferred to Yeongwol Prison.

The Ministry of Justice plans to block the spread caused by asymptomatic infections through continuous mass testing at Nambu Prison, just as was done at Dongbu Detention Center. After 11 inmates transferred from Dongbu Detention Center to Yeongwol Prison on the 12th of last month tested positive, cluster infection cases have virtually disappeared, but if the spread resumes, additional measures such as transfers or parole will need to be prepared.

If confirmed cases continue to emerge at Nambu Prison, the normal operation of correctional facilities is expected to be further delayed. The Ministry of Justice’s decision to completely block inmate visits during the Lunar New Year holiday period until the 14th is for the same purpose. This measure includes smart visits and telephone visits. A Ministry of Justice official stated, "We plan to take preemptive measures to block the spread caused by asymptomatic infections within correctional facilities," and added, "We will continue to strengthen monitoring of correctional facilities in close cooperation with quarantine authorities."

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