Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

15 August, 2020

□ As of 0:00, 15 August 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 15,039 (including 2,629 imported cases), of which 13,901 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 155 new local cases, 11 new imported cases, and 0 new death.

□ The current state* of major local clusters as of today (as of 12:00, 15 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 Woori Jaeil Church in Yong-in City, Gyeonggi Province, 33 additional cases (32 church members, 1 acquaintance) were confirmed as a result of testing 401 church members and contacts. In total, 105 cases have been confirmed.

  - All the 900 church members are under self-quarantine. According to an epidemiological investigation, suspected risk factors are not wearing a mask during service by choirs, sharing a meal after the service, and continued home visits.

○ Related to the Sarang Jaeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul City, 40 additional cases were confirmed. In total, 59 cases have been confirmed.

  - According to an epidemiological investigation, on 9 August, due to the heavy rain the indoor density increased and led to less than 1m distance between participants. Singing hymns in this environment is suspected to be the risk factor.

  * 1 acquaintance was reclassified as a church member

  ** Seoul = 38, Gyeonggi = 13, Gangwon = 2, Incheon = 6

○ Related to the Yangchun Rumination Church in Seoul City, after a first case was confirmed on 12 August, 3 additional cases were confirmed (2 church members, 1 acquaintance). In total, 4 cases have been confirmed.

  - According to an epidemiological investigation, congregation worshipping shoulder-to-shoulder in a small space without a mask on is suspected to be the risk factor. 

○ Related to Rejoice 153 Church in Gyeonggi Province, 2 additional case was confirmed while under quarantine. In total, 26 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to the Banseok Church in Pung-dong, Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, 1 additional case was confirmed during contact investigation (Namdaemun market visitor) and another case was confirmed while under self-quarantine (a day care attendee). In total, 36 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to a group event in Yangpyung-gun, Gyeonggi province, 31 out of the total 61 participants of a community event were confirmed. Further investigation is underway for contacts and route of transmission.

  - According to an epidemiological investigation, no mask wearing and group meal in a small space are suspected to be risk factors.

○ Related to Seoul Lotteria staff meeting, 1 additional case was confirmed (1 family member of a user who was at the venue). In total, 16* cases have been confirmed.

   * Seoul = 13, Gyeonggi = 3

○ Related to Goldtrain at Gangnam-gu, Seoul City, 2 additional cases were confirmed. In total, 20 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to an office building(Sinil Utovill officetel) in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul City, 1 additional case was confirmed during contact investigation. In total, 11 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Busan Mechanical Engineering Highschool in Haewoondae-gu, Busan City, 1 family member have been confirmed while under self-quarantine. In total, 8 cases have been confirmed.

□ As of 0:00, 15 August, there were 11 imported cases, of which 2 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 9 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival. 4 were Korean nationals and 7 foreign nationals.

○ The (presumed) location of infection acquisition of the 9 new imported cases are: Americas (5) (US 5), Africa (1) (Ghana 1), and Asia excluding China (5) (Russia 2, Bangladesh 1, Malaysia 1, Japan 1).

□ Due to the ongoing local clusters and community transmissions in Seoul Metropolitan City and Gyeonggi province in midst of global pandemic, KCDC requested following the prevention guidelines as social distancing level was raised from level 1 to level 2.

○ KCDC asked public refrain from unnecessary meetings and visiting places frequented by others, minimize physical contact amongst one another.

  - KCDC also asked the public to refrain from all face-to-face events or meetings whether private or public with size above 50 (indoors) and above 100 (outdoors).

  - If such meeting is necessary, mask should be worn throughout the event and all social distancing guidelines should be followed including 2 meter distancing (at least 1 meter) between participants.

○ The prevention guideline measures (ban of gatherings) applied to 12 high-risk facilities continues, and PC cafes are included as a high-risk facility from 18:00 of 19 August. All the PC cafes are obligated to follow prevention guidelines once included.

○ Also, among 12 high-risk facilities, additional mandatory guidelines are applied to nightclubs, pubs, and nightlife venues such as limiting movements between seats or tables in a facility, and visiting 1 facility per day.

 - In particular, in the case of door-to-door sales business, where Seoul Metropolitan Government and Gyeonggi Province Government have already imposed a collective ban, thorough check and management of a compliance with the prevention measures will be conducted. Also, the government can claim the right to indemnity in the event of an occurrence of a confirmed case.

 - If the transmission of infection does not improve or worsen in two weeks or even before, the operation of high-risk facilities will be suspended.

○ For publicly-used facilities such as general restaurants of a certain size or larger (e.g. 150m2 or larger), will be complied to follow key prevention guidelines (gathering ban)

○ In particular, in the case of religious facilities, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Gyeonggi Province have already implemented measures to enforce key prevention guidelines such as banning other activities outside of regular worship, and services, and prohibition of providing group meals, which have been in effect since 15 August.

  - Regular worship, mass, and services should be changed to non-face-to-face methods,

  - If it is necessary to carried out services face-to-face methods, minimize participants, wear mask at all times, keeping a distance of 2m (minimum 1m), and replace singing instruments.

○ Lastly, to prevent the community transmission to another region, KCDC recommended residents of Seoul and Gyenggi area not to move to different cities or provinces.

IMPORTED CONFIRMED CASES

NEW CASES (LAST 2 WEEKS) BY CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION