20 Confirmed Cases in 8 Cities and Counties of Gyeongnam... Social Distancing Extended for 3 Weeks (Summary)

Shin Jong-woo, Director of Welfare and Health Bureau, Gyeongnam Province.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Ju-cheol In] Twenty new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Gyeongnam.

Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the 22nd that since 5 p.m. the previous day, 20 confirmed cases were reported: 6 in Yangsan, 4 in Gimhae, 3 in Changwon, 2 in Hamyang, 2 in Miryang, 1 in Sacheon, 1 in Hapcheon, and 1 in Jinju.

The infection routes include 11 cases of contact with confirmed patients within the province (7 family members, 2 acquaintances, 1 workplace, 1 movement route), which is the largest group, 3 cases of contact with confirmed patients from other regions, and 2 cases related to a foreigner gathering in Gimhae.

In Jinju, the infection routes of a total of 4 people, including 1 confirmed patient, are under investigation.

In Changwon, an elementary school student in Jinhae-gu tested positive, prompting health authorities to set up a screening clinic at the school and conduct tests on about 400 students and staff.

Among the confirmed cases related to the foreigner gathering in Gimhae, one person 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 53.

Accordingly, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the province has risen to 4,514 (269 hospitalized, 4,229 discharged, 16 deceased).

Meanwhile, Gyeongnam Province announced that it will extend social distancing level 1.5 for three weeks from the 24th to the 13th of next month. This extension is a comprehensive measure 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 health authority official said, “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.