16 New COVID-19 Cases in Gyeongnam ... Social Distancing Extended for 3 Weeks

On the 16th, when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded in the 600s for two consecutive days, citizens are undergoing specimen tests at a temporary screening clinic set up in Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] Gyeongnam Province announced on the 22nd that 16 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were added in the province after 5 p.m. the previous day.

The number of confirmed cases by region is 6 in Yangsan, 3 in Changwon, 2 each in Miryang and Hamyang, and 1 each in Sacheon, Gimhae, and Hapcheon.

The infection routes are mostly from contact with confirmed cases within the province, totaling 9 people (5 family members, 2 acquaintances, 1 workplace contact, 1 movement contact), 3 from contact with confirmed cases in other regions, and 1 related to a foreigner gathering in Gimhae.

The infection routes of the remaining 3 cases are under investigation.

An elementary school student in Changwon tested positive, and the Changwon city quarantine authorities have set up a screening clinic at the school to conduct tests on about 400 students and staff.

One confirmed case related to the foreigner gathering in Gimhae tested negative in the test conducted on the 14th but was confirmed positive in a retest the previous day.

The total number of confirmed cases related to the foreigner gathering in Gimhae has increased to 52.

As of 1:30 p.m. on the day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the province was 4,510 (305 hospitalized, 4,189 discharged, 16 deaths).

Meanwhile, Gyeongnam Province said it will extend the social distancing level 1.5 from the 24th to the 13th of next month for three weeks.

This extension is a measure comprehensively considering the recent number of confirmed cases and damage to the local economy.

The ban on private gatherings of five or more people remains in place, and there are no restrictions on operating hours for multi-use facilities such as entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes.

A provincial official explained, "If confirmed cases surge rapidly and community spread is a concern, various measures such as restricting operating hours of multi-use facilities will be implemented."

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