Seoul Cluster Infections Continue, Additional Cases Linked to Metropolitan Area Gatherings and Garak Agricultural and Marine Market Confirmed

As the number of new COVID-19 cases reached 668, marking the highest in 89 days, citizens lined up to get tested at the temporary screening center at Seoul Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 7th. The daily case count of 668 is the highest in 89 days since January 8 of this year (674 cases), just before the domestic "third wave" peaked and began to subside, and it is the first time in 48 days that the number has exceeded 600 since February 18, when 621 cases were recorded. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Although the number of cases in Seoul has been declining for the fifth consecutive day, confirmed cases due to sporadic cluster infections continue to increase.

On the 31st, Seoul City announced that 50 people have been confirmed positive so far from a cluster infection classified as a metropolitan area acquaintance gathering5 and a restaurant in Mapo-gu. One attendee of the gathering was first confirmed positive on the 18th, followed by 45 confirmed cases by the 29th, and 4 additional cases were confirmed on the 30th.

Among the 50 confirmed cases, 40 are residents of Seoul, and the remaining 10 are registered patients from other cities and provinces. Seoul City has tested 850 people so far and is awaiting test results from other contacts. Depending on the results, the scale of the infection is expected to grow further.

A Seoul City official explained, "Some of the restaurants visited by confirmed cases during the epidemiological investigation were located underground, making natural ventilation difficult. It was confirmed that visitor management, indoor distancing, and mask-wearing were insufficient." The official added, "It is under investigation that confirmed attendees of the gathering held other meetings, spreading the virus again to attendees and acquaintances, and that additional transmission occurred to users of the restaurants visited by these attendees and their acquaintances."

In addition, two more confirmed cases related to the Songpa-gu Garak Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market cluster infection were added, bringing the total to 61. Confirmed cases related to indoor sports facilities in Gangnam-gu, music practice rooms in Yeongdeungpo-gu, and indoor exercise facilities in Songpa-gu also increased by two each, totaling 46, 41, and 24 cases respectively.

A Seoul City official emphasized, "Until sufficient herd immunity is formed, please adhere to quarantine rules such as wearing masks, regular ventilation, and social distancing." The official also urged, "If you have suspicious symptoms, please do not go to work or visit facilities and get tested immediately at a screening clinic."

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