Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea
22 July 2020

□ As of 0:00, 22 July 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 13,879 (including 2,125 imported cases), of which 12,698 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 29 new local cases, 34 new imported cases, and 1 new death.

[ Local transmission cases, as of 0:00, 22 July (cumulative since 3 January 2020) ]

** Epidemiological investigation revealed confirmed cases were local, not imported

※ Americas: US 5

Europe: Turkey 1

Asia ex-China: Uzbekistan 11, Philippines 7, Kazakhstan 4, Indonesia 2, Iraq 1, Qatar 1, Sri Lanka 1, Kuwait 1

[ Case management status*, as of 0:00, 22 July (cumulative since 3 January 2020) ]

* Based on case data reported to the KCDC

※ Figures subject to correction based on findings from epidemiological investigations

□ The current state* of major local clusters as of today (as of 12:00, 22 July) 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 an office (V Building, Hanwha Life Insurance) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul City, 1 additional case (acquaintance of confirmed individual) was confirmed. In total, 25* cases have been confirmed.

* V Building = 9 cases, Hanwha Life Insurance = 16 cases

○ Related to the Gangseo Central Day Care Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul City, 3 additional cases (facility users*) were confirmed. In total, 15* cases have been confirmed.

* facility users = 12 cases, facility users’ family members = 3 cases

○ Related to a K Building real estate-related company (Yoohwan DnC) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul City, there are 13* confirmed cases in total after the index case was confirmed on 21 July. The route of transmission is under investigation.

* employees = 9, family members of employees = 4

○ Related to the Love Church in Songpa-gu, Seoul City, 3 additional cases were confirmed after 1 index case was confirmed on 20 July. In total, 4* cases have been confirmed.

* church members = 4

○ Related to a military garrison in Gyeonggi-do, Pocheon City, 13 cases (soldiers) have been confirmed. Contacts are being tested, and a military central epidemic intelligence officer is investigating the source and route of transmission.

○ Related to the door-to-door sales group in Gwangju City, 1 additional case was confirmed (badminton club related). In total, 148 cases have been confirmed.

□ As of 0:00, 22 July, there were 34 imported cases, of which, 19 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 15 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival. The 34 cases consisted of 15 Korean nationals and 19 foreign nationals.

○ The (presumed) location of infection acquisition of the 34 new imported cases are: Americas (5) (US 5), Europe (1) (Turkey 1), and Asia excluding China (28) (Uzbekistan 11, Philippines 7, Kazakhstan 4, Indonesia 2, Iraq 1, Qatar 1, Sri Lanka 1, Kuwait 1).

□ In order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 into the military and to assess the risk of local transmission, KCDC and the Ministry of National Defense have been conducting diagnostic tests on men entering basic training camp since 18 May.

○ 46,835 soldiers entering basic training camp from the 3rd week of May to the 2nd week of July were tested, and all tested negative except for 1* case that was confirmed positive (0.002%).

* A solider living in Dalseong-gu, Daegu City (20 years old, entered basic training camp on 26 May)

- These tests are significant in that the introduction of infectious disease into the military through men entering basic training was fundamentally prevented, ensuring a safe training environment for soldiers and addressing the anxiety that military families felt in the current crisis.

○ Therefore, the government will extend the testing period for 8 additional weeks (3rd week of July ~ 2nd week of September), and plans to expand the scope of testing to include officer cadets and non-commissioned officer cadets.

- Furthermore, additional COVID-19 antibody titer surveys will be conducted in order to study the prevalence of infection among young adults in each region.

□ As social welfare facilities resume operations starting 20 July, KCDC asked that facility managers, workers, and users adhere to the following guidelines:

○ Facility managers:

- Thoroughly disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, 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 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

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

□ In order to ensure that people have safe vacations in the upcoming holiday season, KCDC asked that the following guidelines be kept:

○ If you have COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and sore throat, postpone or cancel your vacation, go see a doctor, and get tested

○ People going on vacation should:

▴Only be in small groups or family units

▴Avoid closed and crowded places, or busy hours

▴Preferably use personal vehicles

○ During vacation:

▴Always wear a mask when indoors

▴Minimize your time in resting places, restaurants, and cafes

▴Maintain 2m distance or more with others

[Figure 3: Daily new confirmed cases by chain of transmission]