Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

21 July 2020

□ As of 0:00, 21 July 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 13,816 (including 2,092 imported cases), of which 12,643 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 20 new local cases, 25 new imported cases, and 0 new deaths.

[ Local transmission cases, as of 0:00, 21 July (cumulative since 3 January 2020) ]

* As of 21 July 0:00, continent change applied to country (Palau 3 → Oceania)

** Confirmed imported case country of origin changed (Russia → Belarus)

※ Americas: US 5, Brazil 1

   Europe: Belarus 1, UK 1

   Africa: Zambia 1, Algeria 1

   Asia ex-China: Philippines 4, Kazakhstan 4, Japan 2, Iraq 1, India 1, Kuwait 1, Lebanon 1, Russia 1

[ Case management status, as of 0:00, 21 July (cumulative since 3 January 2020) ]

* Based on case data reported to the KCDC

※ Figures subject to correction based on findings from epidemiological investigations

□  The current state* of major local clusters as of today (as of 12:00, 21 July) are as follows:

* The specific figures below may differ from the daily reported statistics (which are based on figures as of 0:00 today) or figures disclosed by local municipalities due to factors such as report timing and differences in the time period considered

○ Related to an office in Gwanak-gu, Seoul City, 1 additional case was confirmed. In total, 34* cases have been confirmed.

* Seoul = 12 cases, Gyeonggi = 3 cases, Jeonbuk = 2 cases, Jeju = 5 cases, Gwangju = 11 cases, Jeonnam = 1 case

○ Related to a care facility in Gangseo-gu, Seoul City, 3 facility users’ family members were confirmed. In total, 12* cases have been confirmed.

* facility users = 9 cases, facility users’ family members = 3 cases

○ Related to the Gwangmyeong Soo Clinic Center in Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province, 1 additional case (family member of confirmed case) was confirmed. In total, 6* cases have been confirmed.

* dialysis patients = 2 cases, family members = 4 cases

○ To date, 12 cases have been identified that are attributable to the actions of the confirmed case known as Songpa Case No. 60. Gwangju City has filed a complaint against this individual with the Gwangju Police Station.

- False statements from confirmed cases in epidemiological investigations may cause critical delays in contact tracing and lead to many additional infections and multiple chains of transmission. KCDC asked people for active cooperation with epidemiological investigation when confirmed with COVID-19.

□  As of 0:00, 21 July, there were 25 imported cases, of which, 18 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 7 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival.

○ The (presumed) location of infection acquisition of the 25 new imported cases are: Americas (6) (US 5, Brazil 1), Europe (2) (Belarus 1, UK 1), Africa (2) (Algeria 1, Zambia 1), and Asia excluding China (15) (Philippines 4; Kazakhstan 4; Japan 2; Iraq 1; India 1; Kuwait 1; Lebanon 1; Russia 1).

○ During 20 July, 138 ships entered 11 harbors (seaports) nationwide. On-board quarantine inspection was conducted for 58 ships.

□  KCDC revealed that 1,039 fully recovered patients (including 89 additional participants) have signed up to donate their plasma for the development of COVID-19 plasma therapy. Plasma collection has been completed for 660 (including 216 additional participants) of the donors as of today.

* Plasma therapy requires a large amount of blood as it involves formulating a concentrated form of the antibodies and immunoglobulins from the blood of people who have recovered from COVID-19.

○ KCDC expressed gratitude for the additional people who signed up to donate their plasma, and encouraged more eligible people* to participate.

  * Participating hospitals: Korea University Ansan Hospital, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu Fatima Hospital / For inquiries, dial 1522-6487

○ 20 COVID-19 patients were given convalescent plasma transfusions in 6 medical facilities.

□  KCDC stated that 76 severe patients at 27 hospitals have requested and received remdesivir, obtained through special import for emergency use for COVID-19 treatment.

□  KCDC shared updates on the national COVID-19 treatment development project that Korea National Institute of Health is working on in collaboration with private sector companies.

○ Related to plasma therapy, sufficient quantity of plasma required for production of formulations for clinical trial have been collected. Production began on 18 July and will be completed in mid-August.

○ A COVID-19 antibody treatment was granted approval by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and began clinical trial phase 1 in Korea.

□  In light of the summer holiday season, KCDC urged people to follow infection prevention guidelines for wise holiday spending.

○ If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, nasal congestion, sore throat, and muscle pain, cancel or postpone holiday plans and contact a local public health center for screening and test.

○ For holiday trips, travel in small units such as immediate family, avoid popular crowded locations and busy hours, and use personal vehicle to travel whenever possible.

○ At the destination, keep a distance of 2 meters from others, wash hands, and make sure to wear a mask whenever you are in an indoor space. Avoid any crowded, confined, and closed spaces. Make sure to strictly follow infection prevention guidelines in restaurants or other spaces with frequent public contact as well as the main destinations.

□  In light of the continued occurrence of COVID-19 infections in facilities used by the elderly population, KCDC advised manager/staff and residents/users of such facilities to follow precautions.

○ For facility staff:

- If you have COVID-19 suspected symptoms, do not go to work, and get tested as soon as possible

- Wear PPE such as masks during work hours

- Keep strict hygiene measures such as hand washing

○ For facility users/residents:

- If you are a new resident or a newly admitted inpatient, make sure to get tested

- If you have respiratory symptoms, fever, or other suspected symptoms, get tested immediately

- Wear mask and follow infection prevention guidelines

  * National Health Insurance covers 50% of testing cost for new residents and 100% of testing cost for those with symptoms

TOTAL

Gyeonggi Province