Confirmed Academy Instructor in 'Gyeonggi Group Infection' Falsely Reports Negative Without Testing

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Amid ongoing COVID-19 cluster infections linked to English academies in the Gyeonggi region, it has been confirmed that one academy instructor falsely reported a 'negative' COVID-19 test result without actually undergoing testing and continued daily activities before eventually testing positive. Health authorities have closed the academy and are conducting comprehensive testing.

According to Seongnam City on the 26th, instructor A at an English academy in Bundang underwent a diagnostic test on the 22nd and was instructed to self-isolate. This was because A was classified as a contact of a native English-speaking instructor at a nearby academy who tested positive that day.

However, A did not self-isolate and continued with personal schedules. On the 23rd, A sent a false text message to the academy claiming the COVID-19 test result was negative. A underwent testing belatedly on the 24th and received a positive diagnosis on the 25th.

A Seongnam City official stated, "It has been investigated that A has not attended the English academy since the 21st," and added, "Since quarantine measures for the academy were delayed, we are reviewing whether to file charges against A for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act."

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