Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

10 August, 2020

 

□ As of 0:00, 10 August 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 14,626 (including 2,561 imported cases), of which 13,658 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 17 new local cases, 11 new imported cases, and 0 new deaths.

 

[ Overall case and test status, as of 0:00, 10 August (cumulative since 3 January 2020) ]

Period (since 3 Jan) Total Tested positive (PCR) Testing in progress Tested negative (PCR) Confirmed Discharged from isolation Under isolation Deceased As of 0:00 9 August (Sun) 1,624,650 14,598 13,642 651 305 16,803 1,593,249 As of 0:00 10 August (Mon) 1,628,303 14,626 13,658 663 305 16,396 1,597,281 Difference (+)3,653 (+)28 (+)16 (+)12 - (-)407 (+)4,032   * 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, 10 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 the Banseok Church in Pung-dong, Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, 7 additional cases were confirmed from contact tracing. The new cases are clothing merchants in a building in Namdaemun Market area. In total, 31 cases have been confirmed.

 

○ Related to Rejoice 153 Church in Gyeonggi Province, 1 additional case was confirmed while under quarantine. The new case was a work-related contact, related to Elgoalin Bio door-to-door sales business. In total, 21 cases have been confirmed.

 

○ From contact investigation for two previously confirmed cases (whose source of infection was not identified), 6 new cases were confirmed related to Ju Nimui Saem Prebyterian Church in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Province. In total, 8 cases have been confirmed related to this cluster.

* Risk factor: Church indoor space was small and had poor ventilation

 

 

□ As of 0:00, 10 August, there were 11 imported cases, of which, 6 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 5 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival. 5 were Korean nationals and 6 foreign nationals.

 

○ The (presumed) location of infection acquisition of the 11 new imported cases are: Americas (3) (US 3), Africa (1) (Burkina Faso 1), Europe (1) (Finland 1), and Asia excluding China (6) (Philippines 2, Bangladesh 2, Russia 1, Afganistan 1).

 

□ KCDC analyzed the last two weeks’ COVID-19 response situation and risk factors.

		12 July – 25 July	⇨	26 July – 8 August
Average daily new imported confirmed cases		31.4		21.4
Average daily new local (domestic) confirmed cases		19.9		12.1
	Seoul metropolitan area	15.4		10.2
Clusters (new)1)		10		6
Percentage of cases with uncertain route of transmission (under investigation)		6.4% (46/719)		8.5% (40/470)
Percentage of cases managed under infectious disease prevention and control system2)		Under 80%		Over 80%
Percentage of new confirmed cases, aged 20-39		17.7%		19.1%
Percentage of new confirmed cases, aged 40-59		31%		35.1%
Percentage of new confirmed cases, aged 60 and above		48.5%		44.3%

1) Based on the date cases were reported

  2) Percentage of cases managed under infectious disease prevention and control system: percentage of new cases that tested positive while under home quarantine

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

 

○ During the most recent two-week period, there were 21.4 daily new imported cases on average, down 10 cases from the previous two-week period.

- The number of imported cases have decreased since the implementation of measures for countries designated as subject to strengthened infectious disease control and prevention.

 

- In response to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic situation, further necessary measures will be implemented to prevent importation of cases from abroad, including strengthened measures for vessels with confirmed cases including:

▴ Suspension of disembarking, repair, and other activities during the 14 day monitoring period

▴ Re-setting the monitoring period if additional cases are confirmed during the monitoring period

 

- KCDC also advised that people who return from overseas should comply with quarantine guidelines during the self-quarantine period.

 

○ During the most recent two-week period, there were 12.1 daily new local transmission cases on average, down 7.8 cases from the previous two-week period.

 

- The percentage of cases aged 60 or above decreased (48.5% → 44.3%), while the percentage of cases aged 20-39 (17.7% → 19.1%) and 40-50 (31% → 35.1%) increased.

- Clusters continue to occur around religious facilities, door-to-door sales, restaurants, cafes, and others.

 

	Clusters
Seoul metropolitan area	Seoul coffee house / restaurant (16), Seoul Songpa-gu Sarang Church (22), Gyeonggi Goyang-si Banseok Church (31), Gyeonggi Goyang-si Gippeum Church (21)
Other areas	Foreigner group in Chungbuk Province (6), Busan Gamcheon Port (Yeongjin 607) (6), Russian vessel (PETR1) (12), Hongcheon camping grounds (10)

○ In light of the recent cases related to small religious facilities and door-to-door sales, KCDC reminded the public of relevant infection prevention guidelines.

 

- For on-site religious events:

  ▴Keep your mask on while indoors

  ▴No dining or snacking together

  ▴Avoid small group gatherings before or after service

  ▴Cancel seasonal special events such as summer retreats (or replace with non-face-to-face event)

 

- Elderly and middle-aged people are advised to stay away from gatherings or events related to door-to-door sales, due to the tendency of such events to take place in high-risk settings (close contact conversations for an extended period of time).

 

○ Due to the continued risk related to summer holidays and school breaks, KCDC is working with municipal governments to conduct on-site inspections of facilities such as nightlife venues, rest areas, academies, study cafes, PC cafes, and singing rooms.

 

- KCDC asked the public to avoid visiting such publicly used facilities and cancel any large group event that involves overnight accommodation such as summer retreats.

 

□ KCDC announced the result of additional analysis of nucleic acid sequence of the viruses detected from 776 specimens (597 local, 179 imported) collected from COVID-19 patients.

 

○ Clades S and V were widespread globally until early April. Since then, clades G, GR, and GH are being widely found. GR is most common in Africa, India, and Russia. GH is most common in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

  * WHO classifies the COVID-19 virus as clades V, L, G, GH, GR, or other based on the amino acid mutation in the nucleic acid sequence of the virus.

 

○ In Korea, clades S and V were most common prior to early April. Since then, from Yecheon clusters and Itaewon club cluster to today, GH has been commonly found.

  * GH: Coupang fulfillment centers, Gangnam coffee house, Hongcheon camping grounds, Gwangju door-to-door sales
GR: Busan Port Russian vessel, Cheongju foreigner cluster

  * Total 597 cases including GH (437), V (120), S (32), and GR (8)

 

○ KCDC found 3 cases of a new mutation at the spike protein from the viruses from imported cases.

 

- Although this mutation does not affect the diagnostic test, further work is needed to study any changes in infectivity or pathogenicity.

 

□ In light of the recent damage and flooding caused by heavy rain, KCDC stressed the importance of personal hygiene to prevent infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 as well as waterborne infectious diseases.

COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Temporary Shelters for People Displaced by Natural Disasters Facility managers:  ▴Thoroughly check symptoms of people who enter the facility  ▴Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doors and tents  ▴Ventilate at least twice daily Users:  ▴Hand washing  ▴Mask wearing  ▴2m distancing

 

○ To avoid waterborne or foodborne infectious diseases, such as bacterial dysentery, typhoid fever, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli:

- Only consume safe food and water (packaged water or boiled water), do not keep cooked food for a long time, and always maintain personal hygiene. Make sure that meals are cooked sufficiently.

 

○ To avoid infectious eye diseases (keratoconjunctivitis, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis) and skin diseases while engaged in disaster recovery work in flooded areas:

- Wear long boots and waterproof garments when working in flooded areas, as contact with flood water may cause skin diseases.

- Wash parts of your skin that made contact with flood water with clean water.

- If you have fever after working in flooded areas, get medical care from a local hospital or clinic.

 

	Health Guidelines for the Rainy Season
◇ The most important rule to follow is thoroughly washing your hands, as most waterborne infectious diseases and contagious eye diseases can be prevented by handwashing.   ◇ Safely preparing food is very important. Make sure to thoroughly heat food before consumption.     - Cooked food should not be stored for a long time.     - People with open wounds on their hands or diarrhea should not prepare food.   ◇ Wear protective garments, boots, and rubber gloves while re-planting rice.   ◇ Remove mosquito habitats and puddles around your house. Refrain from going outdoors at night, wear bright long-sleeve shirts and pants, use mosquito repellents, and take care not to get bitten by mosquitos.   ◇ If you have symptoms such as fever and diarrhea, it is highly important to see a doctor.

 

 

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL LINKS OF CONFIRMED CASES
Region	Confirmed cases									Other major clusters
	Total	Imported cases	Clusters					Other*	New cases
			Sub- total	Shin- cheonji	Other local clusters	Contacts of confirmed cases	Linked to imported cases
Seoul	1,688	359	1,049	8	970	71	101	179	13	Nightclubs, Richway, Guro-gu call center, Yangcheon-gu sport facility, Seongsim Day Care Center, SMR newly planted churches group, Wangsung church , Gangseo Central Daycare Center, Coupang, Songpa Love Church, Gangnam-gu office (V Building, Hanhwa Life), Gwanak-gu office, Goyang-si Banseok Church, Gangnam-gu financial institution, Sinmyeong Investment, Gangnam office (Yoohwan DnC), Songpa-gu acquaintance meeting, Gangnam-gu coffee shop / Yangjae-dong restaurant etc.
Busan	178	42	86	12	62	12	28	22	1	Onchun Church, Suyeong-gu kindergarten , Nightclubs, Bucheon Harbor (Yeongjin 607), etc.
Daegu	6,945	64	5,215	4,512	699	4	926	740	0	Second Mi-Ju Hospital, Hansarang Convalescent Hospital, Daesil Convalescent Hospital, Fatima Hospital, Daegu Acting Academy, Nightclubs, etc.
Incheon	389	81	284	2	274	8	10	14	0	Coupang, SMR newly planted churches group, Nightclubs, Richway, Guro-gu call center, SMR door-to-door sales gathering, Gangseo Central Daycare Center, etc.
Gwangju	210	28	175	9	160	6	2	5	0	Gwangju door-to-door sales, Gwanak-gu office, Gwangju family, etc.
Daejeon	166	19	103	2	101	0	26	18	0	Door-to-door sales in Daejeon, The Joeun Clinic, etc.
Ulsan	60	26	24	16	4	4	8	2	0
Sejong	50	5	41	1	40	0	3	1	0	Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, gym facilities
Gyeonggi	1,632	438	996	29	901	66	96	102	6	Coupang, Nightclubs, Richway, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, Guro-gu call center-Bucheon, SMR door-to-door sales, Yangcheon-gu sport facility, SMR Newly planted churches group, Lord Glory Church, Uijeongbu Apartment, Goyang-si Banseok Church, Pocheon military garrison, Lotte Confectionery logistics center, Wangsung Church, Gangnam office (Yoohwan DnC), Goyang Rejoice 153 Church, Hongcheon camping, Gangnam-gu coffee shop / Yangjae-dong restaurant, Gwangmyeong Soo Clinic, Gwanak-gu office, Songpa-gu acquaintance meeting, Songpa Love Church, etc.
Gangwon	77	24	46	17	28	1	3	4	0	Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, Richway, etc.
Chung- buk	82	19	42	6	34	2	8	13	0	Nightclubs, Guro-gu call center, etc.
Chung- nam	193	32	144	0	143	1	7	10	0	Gym facilities in Cheonan, Daejeon door-to-door sales, Richway, etc.
Jeonbuk	39	21	13	1	12	0	4	1	0	Daejeon door-to-door sales, Nightclubs
Jeonnam	42	24	13	1	10	2	3	2	1	Gwangju door-to-door sales, etc.
Gyeong- buk	1,411	37	1,051	566	485	0	193	130	1	Cheongdo Daenam Hospital, Bonghwa Pureun Nursing Home, Gyeongsan Seo Convalescent Hospital, pilgrimage to Israel, Yecheon-gun, Gumi Elim Church, Gangnam-gu coffee shop / Yangjae-dong restaurant, etc.
Gyeong- nam	166	55	85	32	51	2	13	13	0	Geochang Church, Nightclubs, etc.
Jeju	26	15	7	0	6	1	4	0	0	Gwanak-gu office related, etc.
Ports of Entry	1,272	1,272	0	0	0	0	0	0	6
Total	14,626	2,561	9,374	5,214	3,980	180	1,435	1,256	28
	(%)	(17.5)	(64.1)	(35.6)	(27.2)	(1.2)	(9.8)	(8.6)
* Not classified into a cluster or under investigation ※ The interim classification is based on the reporting location, which may change depending on further epidemiological investigation.

[ Age distribution of severe cases ]
7.28 7.29 7.30 7.31 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 Total 12 12 13 12 13 13 13 13 14 18 18 17 16 16 Severe 4 3 5 4 9 9 9 9 8 11 11 10 9 9 Very severe 8 9 8 8 4 4 4 4 6 7 7 7 7 7
	Total	Severe	(	%	)	Very severe	(	%	)
Total	16	9	(	100	)	7	(	100	)
80 and above	2	1	(	11.1	)	1	(	14.3	)
70-79	5	2	(	22.2	)	3	(	42.9	)
60-69	6	3	(	33.3	)	3	(	42.9	)
50-59	3	3	(	33.3	)	0	(	0.0	)
40-49	0	0	(	0.0	)	0	(	0.0	)
30-39	0	0	(	0.0	)	0	(	0.0	)
20-29	0	0	(	0.0	)	0	(	0.0	)
10-19	0	0	(	0.0	)	0	(	0.0	)
0-9	0	0	(	0.0	)	0	(	0.0	)

IMPORTED CONFIRMED CASES

NEW CASES (LAST 2 WEEKS) BY CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION