5 More Domestic Variant Virus Cases Added... Total Reaches 99 (Update)

All Foreign Relative Gatherings Related to Gyeongnam and Jeonnam

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Four additional domestic variant virus infections have been confirmed, bringing the total to 99.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 17th, analysis of a total of 46 specimens, including 45 domestic cases and 1 imported case since the 14th, confirmed variant viruses in 5 cases.

The 5 newly confirmed cases are all foreigners infected with the UK variant virus, related to a cluster infection among foreign relatives (Syrians) in Gyeongnam and Jeonnam.

Accordingly, since October, the total number of confirmed variant virus cases has increased to 99, including 80 from the UK, 13 from South Africa, and 6 from Brazil.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, investigation of contacts related to the cluster outbreak among foreign relatives in Gyeongnam and Jeonnam found 52 close contacts and 68 general contacts, with no additional confirmed cases from further testing.

Also, although no contact with previously confirmed cases was identified, proactive testing was conducted on 511 individuals who may have been exposed through work or other means, and variant virus testing is underway for one additional confirmed case. Among the 7 contacts (4 family members, 3 acquaintances) of this confirmed case, no infections have been reported.

The health authorities urged, "Quarantine subjects and their cohabiting family members who have entered the country from abroad must strictly adhere to self-quarantine guidelines until the quarantine period is lifted."

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