Native Instructor Cluster Infection Grows to 75... Also Spread in Workplaces and Bars

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] COVID-19 cluster infections continue nationwide, with the cumulative number of confirmed cases related to English academies in the Gyeonggi area linked to native speaker instructor gatherings rising to 75.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 26th, there were 668 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. This is the highest number in three weeks since June 5, when 744 cases were reported.

New cluster infections were particularly confirmed in workplaces, daycare centers, and pubs. At a seafood company in Busan, a total of 35 people, including 34 workers and 1 family member, were infected since the 22nd.

Regarding a workplace and daycare center in Seo-gu, Daejeon, a total of 15 people have tested positive since the 16th. In relation to a pub in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, a total of 10 users and employees have been infected since the 21st.

In connection with acquaintances in Namhae and Jinju, Gyeongnam Province, a total of 15 people have been confirmed positive since the 21st. Also, related to foreign acquaintances in Changnyeong County, Gyeongnam Province, 11 people have tested positive since the 21st. Additionally, in relation to a coin karaoke in Buk-gu, Gwangju, a total of 10 people, including 9 users, were confirmed positive.

New confirmed cases originating from native speaker instructor gatherings have spread to five academies in the Gyeonggi area. In addition to the existing academies in Seongnam, Bucheon, and Goyang, new confirmed cases were identified at two English academies in Uijeongbu, adding 41 new cases.

Since the 22nd, the cumulative number of confirmed cases is 75: 31 at the Seongnam academy (including the index patient), 13 at the Bucheon academy, 21 at the Goyang academy, and 9 and 1 at the two Uijeongbu academies respectively. Local government tallies report a total of 85 related confirmed cases, which is higher than the CDCH count.

The CDCH believes that the infection spread after six native speaker instructors working at these academies gathered on the 19th at a pub near Hongdae in Mapo-gu, Seoul. All six instructors tested positive, and local governments plan to investigate whether they violated the private gathering restrictions of fewer than five people.

Among other existing cluster outbreaks, additional confirmed cases have occurred related to a child welfare facility in Nowon-gu, Seoul (cumulative 20 cases), and an indoor sports facility in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province (32 cases).

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