Jeonnam Province Reports 2 Confirmed Cases in Naju Among Syrian Family from Yeoju, Gyeonggi

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 14th that among the 15 Syrian nationals who were collectively confirmed positive in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, 2 individuals who tested positive were from Naju.

These two Syrians (Jeonnam cases 771 and 770) are aunt and nephew and are presumed to have been infected after attending a family gathering of about 20 people at the home of their mother living in Yeoju on the 6th. They were confirmed positive on the 11th.

Accordingly, the province tested 40 Syrians residing in or visiting Naju and 179 Koreans who had direct or indirect contact with these Syrians.

As a result, one child of Jeonnam 771 (Syrian nationality) tested positive, while the remaining 218 individuals all tested negative.

To prevent further spread in the region, a second round of mass testing is being conducted on all 16 Syrians residing in the province, excluding those residing in or visiting Naju.

As of the morning of the day, 10 people tested negative, and testing will be completed for the remaining 6 who are visiting other regions.

The Syrian family confirmed positive this time is related as relatives to two Syrian families who were confirmed with the UK variant virus on the 2nd, following an outbreak in January.

However, four members of one family are still in isolation treatment at a living treatment center, so it was confirmed that there was no contact. The other four members of the other family tested negative twice on the 2nd and 12th, so it is presumed that there is no epidemiological connection with the newly confirmed Syrians.

Additionally, the cluster outbreaks in Yeongam-gun and Hwasun-gun were confirmed by genetic analysis to be unrelated, as they involved the GH group genotype, which is currently widespread nationwide, rather than overseas variant viruses.

Kang Young-gu, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, said, “We will do our best to prevent the community spread of highly transmissible overseas variant viruses recently imported,” adding, “We are strengthening diagnostic testing and self-quarantine management for overseas arrivals and making every effort to block local infection chains.”

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