8 Additional Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Variant Virus... Total 88 (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Eight additional confirmed cases infected with a variant virus known to have higher transmissibility than the original COVID-19 have been reported.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced on the 13th during a briefing on the domestic COVID-19 situation that "eight additional cases of the variant virus have been confirmed, bringing the total number of variant virus cases imported into the country to 88." All eight newly confirmed cases were imported from overseas; three were detected during quarantine, and the remaining five were confirmed through tests conducted during self-isolation after entry. These cases are unrelated to the first domestic cluster transmission of the variant virus, the 'Gyeongnam-Jeonnam foreign relatives cluster infection.'

Among them, five were infected with the variant originating from the United Kingdom, and three with the variant from the Republic of South Africa (Nam-Africa). Seven are Korean nationals, and one is a foreigner. No cases of confirmed transmission among contacts were reported.

Regarding concerns about whether the easing of social distancing measures announced that day would affect the spread of COVID-19, the CDCH stated, "It is still difficult to say there is a clear downward trend," but added, "The current social distancing phase has shifted its framework from regulation-centered to behavior-centered, and we believe that a certain level of prevention is possible through higher compliance." Considering the current economic situation and public acceptance, this is a comprehensive measure, and the policy is to actively implement preventive measures accordingly.

Concerning the cluster outbreak of 37 cases at a university hospital-level hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, it was explained that "Among the 37 cases, 27 are patients, 8 are staff members, and the remaining 2 are family members or caregivers," and "the multiple confirmed cases detected the previous day were identified during the routine testing of inpatients conducted every five days." Expanded testing for mass screening is underway, and despite the holiday period, it is progressing rapidly.

Meanwhile, as of midnight on the 13th, there were 345 new domestic cases and 17 imported cases, totaling 362 new confirmed cases. The cumulative total number of confirmed cases is 83,199. Currently, 8,458 people are in isolation, and the number of severe or critical patients is 157, which is 4 fewer than the previous day. The number of deaths increased by 7.

By region, 257 cases occurred in the metropolitan area, and 88 cases in non-metropolitan areas. Specifically, 28 in the Chungcheong region, 8 in the Honam region, 18 in the Gyeongbuk region, 32 in the Gyeongnam region, and 2 in the Gangwon region.

Major cluster outbreaks by region include 14 cumulative confirmed cases related to a sports facility in Guro-gu, Seoul, with 13 additional cases after the first confirmed case on the 9th. In Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 15 cumulative confirmed cases were reported, with 14 additional cases after the first confirmed case on the 9th. At a university hospital in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, the cumulative confirmed cases reached 98 after 3 additional cases. In Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 2 additional cases related to a social gathering were confirmed, bringing the total to 57.

In Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, related to manufacturing and an Islamic temple, 1 additional case was confirmed, increasing the total to 25. In Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 31 additional cases related to a dance hall were confirmed, bringing the total to 73.

In the Gangwon region, related to a family in Cheorwon-gun, 10 additional cases were confirmed after the first case on the 9th, increasing the total to 11. In the Chungcheong region, related to a construction site in Sejong City, 10 additional cases were confirmed after the first case on the 6th, totaling 11. In Dangjin-si, related to a restaurant, 10 additional cases were confirmed after the first case on the 11th, totaling 11. Related to meat processing plants in Chungju-si, Chungbuk, and Gimje-si, Jeonbuk, 3 additional cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 68.

In the Honam region, 5 additional cases were confirmed related to the first case at an adult game land in Buk-gu, Gwangju, totaling 36. In the Gyeongbuk region, related to a hospital in Buk-gu, Daegu, 5 additional cases were confirmed after the first case on the 11th, totaling 6. Three additional cases were confirmed related to a family in Buk-gu, Daegu, bringing the total to 31. In the Gyeongnam region, related to a nursing home in Jung-gu, Busan, 18 additional cases were confirmed after 4 cases were detected through preemptive testing of staff on the 11th, totaling 22. Three additional cases were confirmed related to a rehabilitation hospital in Jung-gu, Busan, totaling 45. Two additional cases were confirmed related to a nursing facility in Haeundae-gu, Busan, totaling 23. Three additional cases were confirmed related to the dockworkers' union in Seo-gu, Busan, totaling 63.

Regarding Yeongsanggyo in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, a total of 123 people including church members, staff, academy students, and family members were infected. The CDCH identified major risk factors such as not wearing masks during worship and lectures, lack of partitions in restaurants, eating, insufficient indoor ventilation, poor hygiene in dormitories, and inadequate social distancing. The main transmission route is believed to have started with internal transmission within the Seungri sect and Yeongsanggyo, then spread to academy students and families through church members who are academy instructors.

Regarding the foreigner cluster outbreak in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, a total of 55 cases were confirmed among church members, daycare centers, restaurants, and sports community gatherings. Major risk factors included small group meetings among church members, inadequate indoor mask-wearing, and poor indoor ventilation. The transmission route is believed to have started from the initial confirmed case and church members attending worship, then spread to families, daycare centers attended by families, and through indoor sports activities.

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