Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

19 August, 2020

□ As of 0:00, 19 August 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 16,058 (including 2,676 imported cases), of which 14,006 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 283 new local cases, 14 new imported cases, and 0 new death.

□ Major local clusters as of 12:00 today (19 August):

* 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 Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul City, 166 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 623 cases have been confirmed.

- 588 cases total in capital area (Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi)

- 35 cases total in other areas (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongbuk)

- Secondary transmissions from Sarang Jeil Church have been found related multiple venues including call centers, workplaces, hospitals, and other religious facilities and are likely ongoing. Epidemiological investigation is underway.

- KCDC addressed the ungrounded rumor that a positive test result is being automatically given to every Sarang Jeil Church member who tests for COVID-19. KCDC expressed great concern about the unfounded rumor and clarified that it is not possible to fabricate test results or discriminate certain samples in the current testing process.

- All people who visited Sarang Jeil Church since 27 July are advised to get tested as soon as possible regardless of symptoms. KCDC asks for active cooperation with the investigation and isolation process.

○ Related to Gold Train (Gangnam-gu, Seoul City) / Yangpyeong-gun group gathering, 1 additional case was confirmed while under self-quarantine. In total, 74 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Lotteria managerial staff gathering, 2 additional cases were confirmed while under self-quarantine. The new cases are people who attended the gathering. In total, 18 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Hyundai Commercial Seoul Gangseo Branch and Daegu Suseong-gu family, 12 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 17 cases have been confirmed.
(Note: Cluster previously referred to as Daegu Suseong-gu family)

○ Related to Okestro (a software developer company) in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul City, 2 additional cases were confirmed while under quarantine. In total, 10 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to the rally on 15 August at Gwanghwamun in Jung-gu, Seoul City, first case was confirmed on 18 August and 9 cases were subsequently confirmed. In total, 10 cases have been confirmed.

- Confirmed cases are from Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Gyeongbuk, Busan, and Chungnam

- Basic investigation finding confirmed cases among Gwanghwamun rally attendees not related to Sarang Jeil Church has confirmed the occurrence of further transmissions through the rally.

- To prevent further transmission through preemptive testing, everyone who attended Gyeongbokgung Palace rally on 8 August or Gwanghwamun rally on 15 August is requested to get tested at a local screening clinic regardless of symptoms.

○ Related to Yoido Full Gospel Church in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul City, 3 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 7 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Woori Jeil Church in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, 7 additional cases were confirmed from testing of church members and contacts. In total, 154 cases have been confirmed.

- 149 cases total in capital area (Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi)

- 5 cases in other areas (Chungnam, Gyeongbuk, Daegu)

○ Related to Starbucks Paju Yadang Station Branch in Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province, 6 additional cases were confirmed among contacts. In total, 55 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Youngjin Bolt in Sasang-gu, Busan City, 4 additional cases were confirmed while under self-quarantine. In total, 8 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to social gathering in Sasang-gu, Busan City, first case was confirmed on 17 August and 7 additional cases were subsequently confirmed including contacts. In total, 8 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to a nightlife entertainment venue in Sangmu Jigu, Gwangju City, 2 additional cases were confirmed while under self-quarantine. In total, 19 cases have been confirmed.

□ As of 0:00, 18 August, there were 14 imported cases, of which 2 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 12 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival. 2 were Korean nationals and 12 foreign nationals.

○ Infection acquisition location (presumed):

- Asia excluding China: Kazakhstan 3, Uzbekistan 1, Philippines 1, Indonesia 1, UAE 1, Russia 1

- Europe: France 1, Spain 1

- America: US 4

□ KCDC has supplied remdesivir, specially imported for COVID-19 treatment, to all 135 patients in 35 hospitals that have applied for the drug.

□ Effective 0:00 today (19 August), all churches in the greater capital area (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi) are required to have all worship services online only. All church-hosted in-person events, gatherings, and group meals are prohibited.

○ KCDC requests all churches in the capital area to comply with the administrative measure and also not to host meetings or events in other regions.

○ Since there is possibility of transmission to other regions of the country, churches in all other areas of the country are also advised to follow the guidelines as precautionary measure such as switching to online-only worship.

□ With the Social Distancing level raised to Level 2 for the greater capital area on 16 August, KCDC asks residents of the capital area to follow the Social Distancing Level 2 Guidelines.

○ Since there is possibility of nationwide transmission, residents of other regions are also requested to follow the guidelines.

IMPORTED CONFIRMED CASES

NEW CASES (LAST 2 WEEKS) BY CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION