Confirmed Cases of Workplace-Related Cluster Infections Reach 3,462 This Year... Manufacturing Industry Highest (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Since January of this year, a total of 161 workplace-related cluster infections have occurred, with 3,462 confirmed cases linked to these outbreaks.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 6th, workplace-related cluster outbreaks this year were recorded as 41 cases (844 people) in January, 60 cases (1,408 people) in February, and 60 cases (1,210 people) in March, totaling 161 cases. As of this date, the average number of confirmed cases per cluster is between 21 and 24.

The industry with the highest number of outbreaks was manufacturing. From January to March this year, a total of 54 cases (1,280 people) occurred, accounting for 37% of all cluster outbreaks, followed by the service industry (645 people), meat processing industry (481 people), and wholesale and retail trade (268 people).

Compared to February, the number of confirmed cases in March mainly increased in the service industry and meat processing industry, while manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade showed a decreasing trend.

Representative workplace cluster outbreak cases include the meat processing industry in Chungju-si, Chungbuk (68 people), and the livestock product market in Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do (140 people), with a total of 208 confirmed cases related to the meat processing industry.

Regarding manufacturing, the largest outbreak was at a plastic factory in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, with 200 confirmed cases.

Other cases include a restaurant in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (82 people), and a recycled clothing sorting business in Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (20 people).

The index patients were mostly employees of the respective workplaces, and subsequent transmission occurred to colleagues, family members, and acquaintances.

The health authorities stated, "Major risk factors identified include visiting workplaces or multi-use facilities after symptom onset, working in poorly ventilated and enclosed work environments, and insufficient adherence to basic quarantine rules in shared spaces or dormitory living."

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