"Tested Positive Without Visiting Itaewon" 5 Confirmed Cases After Visiting Hongdae '1943' and 'Hanshin Pocha'

by Lim Juhyeong

Published 14 May.2020 15:43(KST)

Seoul City: "No History of Overseas or Itaewon Club Visits... Infection Route Under Investigation"

On the 8th, an alley densely packed with restaurants and bars in Itaewon, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Five people who visited Hongdae pubs 'Hanshin Pocha' and '1943' in Mapo-gu, Seoul, tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It was confirmed that they had no history of visiting overseas or Itaewon clubs.

On the 13th, Mapo-gu disclosed the movement path on the 14th of a man in his 20s, Mr. A, residing in Deungchon 3-dong, Gangseo-gu, among the five confirmed cases.

Mr. A visited a Hongdae pub with four others, including social service worker Mr. B residing in Incheon, and residents of Suwon, Gimpo, and Goyang, before testing positive.

Before undergoing COVID-19 testing, on the 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, they visited the pub '1943 Hongdae branch' located in Mapo-gu for two hours, and then from 9:50 PM to 11:20 PM, they visited Hanshin Pocha in succession.

On the 14th, Na Baekju, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Health Bureau, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing held at Seoul City Hall, "Epidemiological investigations have found that the five people, including Mr. A, have no history of visiting overseas or Itaewon," adding, "We are currently conducting epidemiological investigations on 10 identified contacts to determine the infection route."

He added, "We are further investigating additional contacts during the relevant period through closed-circuit television (CCTV), guest lists, and card payment records."