Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

31 August, 2020

□ As of 0:00, 31 August 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 19,947 (including 2,823 imported cases), of which 14,973 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 238 new local cases, 10 new imported cases, and 1 new death.

□ Major local clusters as of 12:00 today (31 August):

* The specific figures below may differ from the daily reported statistics 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, 21 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 1,056 cases have been confirmed.

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

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

- Church members or visitors (586), further transmission (378), under investigation (92)

- To date, 159 confirmed cases of further transmissions from Sarang Jeil Church have been found related to 25 venues. Investigation is underway.

○ Related to August 15 Seoul rallies, 30 additional cases were confirmed from investigation. In total, 399 cases have been confirmed.

- Rally related (162), further transmissions (152), police (8), under investigation (77)

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

- 185 cases total in other areas (Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam)

- To date, 120 confirmed cases of further transmissions from August 15 rallies have been found related to 11 venues. Investigation is underway.

○ Related to Gwonneung Church in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul City, 12 additional cases were confirmed. In total, 29 cases have been confirmed.

- Formerly referred to as Great Wonders Church

- Index case (1), church members (15), family and friends (13)

- Includes 11 confirmed cases (2 new) related to Ilisam Nursing Home in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province

○ Related to Seoul Theological College in Dongjak-gu, Seoul City, 9 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 31 cases have been confirmed.

○ A military related office in Mapo-gu, Seoul City, first case was confirmed related to 27 August and 8 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 9 cases have been confirmed. Investigation is underway.

○ Related to an officetel in Yeonje-gu, Busan City, first case was confirmed on 28 August and 7 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 8 cases have been confirmed.

○ Related to Rooftop Garden guesthouse in Jeju, first case was confirmed on 27 August and 6 additional cases were confirmed from contact investigation. In total, 7 cases have been confirmed.

□ Imported cases as of 0:00, 31 August:

○ 10 new imported cases

- 3 were confirmed at the point of entry and 7 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival

- 3 Korean nationals and 7 foreign nationals

○ Infection acquisition location (presumed):

- Asia excluding China: Russia 2, Bangladesh 1, Indonesia 1, Oman 1

- Europe: Germany 1, UK 1, Turkey 1

- Americas : US 1, Brazil 1

□ Last two weeks’ COVID-19 statistics:

○ Average daily new local cases increased by over 8-fold (from 35 to 299.7)

○ The greater capital region (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi) accounted for 79.8% of cases

○ Average daily new imported cases decreased by 3.4 cases (from 15.2 to 11.8)

○ 40 local clusters occurred

○ Percentage of cases with unknown chain of transmission increased to 19.5%

○ Percentage of elderly cases (60 or older) increased

○ Percentage of severe/critical cases also increased (from 15.1 to 29.1)

○ Chain of transmission:

- Local clusters: 2,237 cases (52.1%)

- Contacts of previous confirmed cases: 1,030 cases (23.6%)

- Under investigation: 848 cases (19.4%)

- Nationwide spread continuing through multiple mass infections through churches, healthcare facilities, social gatherings, etc.

□ Severe/critical cases and deaths:

○ 324 deaths total (cumulative)

○ 315 (97.2%) had underlying medical condition(s) such as hypertension or diabetes

○ Case fatality rate by age group:

○ 16 deaths during the last two weeks (16-29 August).

- 3 aged 90-99

- 7 aged 80-89

- 5 aged 70-79

- 1 aged 60-69

- 14 had underlying medical condition(s)

□ Social Distancing Level 2 was extended to the whole nation effective 24 August. KCDC reminds the public that compliance with infection prevention measures and participation in social distancing efforts is the most important to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

○ KCDC requests churches, social welfare facilities, healthcare institutions to strictly follow the Social Distancing Level 2 guidelines in order to prevent further domestic spread of infections.

- All church services need to be held in non-face-to-face forms only and all in-person activities need to be canceled.

- Convalescent hospitals, social welfare facilities, and other facilities commonly used by the elderly need to have strict control of people who enter the facility, promptly test people who show symptoms, and ensure mask wearing. People who work at such facilities should minimize in-person social activities and avoid visiting publicly used venues.

○ KCDC reminds the public that COVID-19 transmission can occur through any in-person social activity and advises the public to cancel or postpone all non-essential outings, social gatherings, and travel in order to protect self and others.