Growing Cluster Infections Related to Sister Churches... Total of 134 Confirmed Cases

Medical staff are collecting specimens at a temporary screening clinic for COVID-19 set up in Seoul Station Plaza.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] The scale of church-related cluster infections sporadically occurring in nine cities and provinces nationwide is gradually increasing.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 5th, 63 additional confirmed cases were reported as of midnight related to Sujeong Church and gatherings. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 134.

Confirmed cases have been reported in all nine cities and provinces including Seoul, with the regional breakdown as follows: ▲Seoul 30 ▲Daejeon 28 ▲Jeonbuk 21 ▲Gyeonggi 20 ▲Gyeongbuk 20 ▲Daegu 11 ▲Chungnam 2 ▲Gwangju 1 ▲Jeonnam 1. Authorities are currently classifying confirmed cases based on the reporting region, as there are several sister churches with the same name nationwide, and many confirmed cases attend services at multiple churches.

The health authorities have identified that the church has about 13 branch churches nationwide. However, the branch churches in each region are not large in scale and are considered small-sized churches.

Investigations revealed that, besides religious activities, gatherings and activities were conducted under the name of a healing center at the church. The nationwide spread is believed to have occurred as members of the branch churches alternately attended religious activities and meetings at different churches, according to the health authorities.

At the regular briefing on the same day, Park Young-jun, head of the epidemiological investigation team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated, "It has been confirmed through the first investigation that many members gathered for lodging and activities during a retreat-style meeting held in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province, on the 29th and 30th of last month, coinciding with the opening of a new church," adding that about 70 people gathered for lodging and activities.

Park said, "It will take some time to tally what percentage of tests have been conducted by each local government," and added, "Our goal is to promptly trace and manage the facility to minimize further transmission."

As secondary infections originating from the church continue, health authorities are advising visitors to Sujeong Church related to the nationwide Jesus Vision Healing Center to undergo diagnostic testing at public health centers.

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