Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

16 June 2020

□ As of 0:00, 16 June 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 12,155 (including 1,359 imported cases), of which 10,760 cases have been discharged from isolation. Newly confirmed cases are 34 in total.

* Figures may change based on findings from ongoing local epidemiological investigation efforts.

   ○ As of 0:00 16 June, there are 13 imported cases, of which 2 are from America, 6 from Africa, 2 from India, 1 from UAE, 1 from Afghanistan, and 1 from Kuwait.

   ○ Related to Richway in Gwangak-gu, Seoul, 3 additional cases were confirmed while under quarantine. In total, 172* cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Coupang logistics center in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, 5 additional cases were confirmed. In total, 152* cases have been confirmed.

*Workers = 84; Contacts = 68 / Incheon = 67; Seoul = 61; Gyeonggi = 24

○ Related to the sports facility in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, 2 additional cases were confirmed. The new cases were contacts under self-quarantine. In total, 66* cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Sungsim Day Care Center in Dobong-gu, Seoul, 3 additional case was confirmed under contact management. In total, 22* cases have been confirmed.

*Users = 16; Staff/workers = 2; Family and others = 4

○ Related to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 1 additional case was confirmed from testing for release from quarantine. In total, 6* cases have been confirmed.

○ A teacher at Icheon Jeil High School in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi Province was confirmed. The school has been disinfected. All 1,130 students and staff of the school will be tested.

○ A nurse at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province was confirmed. Epidemiological investigation and contact testing are underway.

○ Related to the case that was confirmed on 13 June from Lotte Global Logistics facility in Songpa-gu, Seoul City, testing is underway for 159 contacts identified. No additional case has been confirmed to date.

□ KCDC stated that the new case count from community is now below 20 since yesterday, but strict adherence to infection control and prevention measures will be necessary to reduce the number of daily new cases to within 10 cases in order to end the enhanced control measure for the Seoul Metropolitan Region.

<Community transmitted cases within the last 2 weeks>

<Community transmitted cases within the last 1 month>

○ COVID-19 outbreak can occur in any confined, crowded, and close-contact environment. Therefore, gatherings such as social club meetings and religious small group meetings should be postponed and nightlife facilities, bars, karaoke, and PC cafes should be avoided. In daily life, hand washing, mask wearing, and 2 meter distancing should be practiced.

○ With the rise in the number of elderly cases, the number of patients with severe symptoms is also increasing. The elderly need to take particular precautions.

- People who are 65 years old or older are advised not to visit enclosed spaces without windows or that are poorly ventilated.

- If such an occasion is unavoidable, activities such as eating and singing should be refrained. Masks should be worn and frequent hand washing or sanitizing should be practiced.

- KCDC advises elderly people to take good care of any chronic medical conditions they have. They are encouraged to take their prescribed pills and to utilize various means of consulting with healthcare professional regularly, including over-the-phone consultations. When visiting a clinic or hospital, a facemask should be worn.

- Regular exercise is also important, including light home exercises and stretching as well as taking a walk regularly at places and times with less foot traffic outside.

□ KCDC expressed gratitude for the 118 recovered people who signed up to participate in the development of COVID-19 plasma therapy and encouraged more eligible people to participate.

○ 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.

○ People aged 18-64 who have been confirmed with COVID-19, fully recovered, discharged (released) from isolation (at least 14 days ago) are able to participate.

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