Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea
3 August 2020

□ As of 0:00, 3 August 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 14,389 (including 2,461 imported cases), of which 13,280 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 3 new local cases, 20 new imported cases, and 0 new deaths.

□ The current state* of major local clusters as of today (as of 12:00, 3 August) 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 a coffee shop in Gangnam-gu, Seoul city, 1 additional case was confirmed. In total, 10* cases have been confirmed.

* coffee shop (Holly’s Coffee at Seolleung Station) = 5 cases (meeting within the coffee shop = 2, meeting at workplace = 1, additional transmission = 2 (+1)), a Korean restaurant in Yangjae-dong (Yangjae Jokbal Bossam) = 5 cases (facility user = 1, staff = 1, additional transmission = 3)

- Epidemiological investigation revealed that the confirmed case that showed symptoms earliest (26 July) related to the Hongcheon camping grounds spent 30 minutes at the coffee shop in Gangnam-gu (Holly’s Coffee at Seolleung Station) on 14:00, 22 July. In-depth epidemiological investigation is underway on whether there was contact between confirmed cases.

○ Related to the camping grounds in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, 1 additional case (family member who was at camping ground) was confirmed. In total, 10* cases have been confirmed.

* Gyeonggi = 8, Gangwon = 2

□ As of 0:00, 3 August, there were 20 imported cases, of which, 14 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 6 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival. 14 were Korean nationals and 6 foreign nationals.

○ The (presumed) location of infection acquisition of the 20 new imported cases are: Americas (3) (US 2, Mexico 1), Africa (2) (Algeria 2), and Asia excluding China (15) (Bangladesh 4, Russia 4, Philippines 2, Japan 2, India 1, Iraq 1, Kazakhstan 1).

□ KCDC analyzed the last two weeks’ COVID-19 response situation and risk factors.

○ In order to suppress local outbreaks, 12 types of facilities have been designated and managed as high-risk facilities (since 2 June).

- On-site inspection of high-risk facilities, such as clubs and pubs, will be strengthened to ensure they follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

- On-site inspection will also be conducted at publicly used facilities, such as restaurants, rest stops, movie theaters, and professional sports facilities, in addition to consistently promoting adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, such as the use of masks and maintaining a 2m distance from others.

- KCDC asked the public to refrain from visiting publicly used facilities, such as entertainment venues, karaokes, and PC cafes, as the transmission of COVID-19 can occur in all closed, crowded, and close-contact settings.

- To prevent the transmission of COVID-19 while vacationing in the summer holiday season, follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines, including:

‣Going on vacation in family units

‣Going on vacation for a short duration

‣Properly wearing a mask

‣Keeping a 2m distance from others

‣Handwashing

○ During the last week (26 July – 1 August), 2 deaths occurred, 1 case in his/her 70s and 1 case in his/her 80s. Fatality rate was 24.9% for those aged 80 or above and 9.5% for those aged 70-79.

- Routes of transmission of 1 case is under investigation, and the other was related to the Seoul Daehyo Convalescent Hospital in Gyeonggi Province. The most common route of transmission of all 301 deaths involved nursing/social welfare facilities and hospitals, accounting for 164 (54.5%) of all cases.

□ KCDC cautioned managers, workers, and users related to nursing/social welfare facilities used by high-risk senior citizens, to follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines:

○ Facility managers:

- Thoroughly disinfect surfaces that often come into contact, including public items, such as wheelchairs, as well as handles and door knobs

- Avoid activities that cause a considerable amount of droplets such as singing

- Space out meal times; avoid talking while eating and sit side by side

- Ventilate often

○ Workers associated with facilities:

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

- Do not visit public use facilities, such as clubs, pubs, karaokes, and PC cafes, while refraining from participating in social gatherings and meetings

- Wear a mask and personal protective equipment, wash your hands often, and strictly maintain hygiene while working

○ Facility users:

- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, such as respiratory symptoms or fever, immediately get tested*

* 50% of testing cost subsidized by health insurance for new inpatients getting diagnostic tests, total cost subsidized for individuals showing symptoms.

- Follow COVID-19 guidelines, such as social distancing (2m recommended), hand washing, and mask wearing, while within the facility

□ KCDC advised caution against infectious disease prevention in light of the recent damage and flooding caused by heavy rain.

○ In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important for victims of flood damage to keep COVID-19 prevention guidelines in temporary shelters.

Managers of temporary shelters should

▴manage and check the temperature of shelter users entering or exiting the facility

▴regularly disinfect surfaces and items that often come into contact

▴ventilate at least twice a day

- Users of temporary shelters should

▴wear a mask

▴keep a 2m distance from others

▴refrain from activities that produce a significant amount of droplets

○ In order to prevent waterborne infectious diseases,

▴Food and drink should be thoroughly heated before consumption

▴Cooked food should not be kept for long

▴Individual hygiene such as handwashing is very important