Updates on COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

18 July 2020

□ As of 0:00, 18 July 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 13,711 (including 2,032 imported cases), of which 12,519 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 11 new local cases, 28 new imported cases, and 1 new deaths.

* 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 in Gwanak-gu, Seoul City, 6 additional cases were confirmed. In total, 19* cases have been confirmed.

* (Region) Seoul = 10, Gyeonggi = 3, Jeonbuk = 2, Jeju = 4

* 4 cases from Jeju were reclassified as Gwanak-gu office cluster since they were contacts of previous confirmed case of the cluster.

○ Related to door-to-door sales group in Gyeonggi and Seoul metropolitan region, 2 additional cases (family related to Wondang Catholic Church) were confirmed. In total, 44 cases have been confirmed.

* 7 church members in Suwon, 10 related to door-to-door sales in apartments in Incheon, 3 related to door-to-door sales in the Gwanak-gu, 10 people at Happy-rang Healing Center in Gunpo, 14 related to Wondang Cathedral in Goyang

○ Related to Hanwha Life Insurance in Seoul City, 3 cases were additionally confirmed. In total, 11* cases have been confirmed.

* 8 employees of Hanwha Life, 2 acquaintances, 1 family member

○ Related to Seongsu High School in Seoul, 1 student (sophomore) was confirmed. Testing 60 contacts of the case (57 students, 3 teachers) is currently underway.

□  As of 0:00, 18 July, there were 28 imported cases, of which, 12 were confirmed at the point of entry, and 16 were confirmed in the community while in mandatory self-quarantine after arrival.

○ The (presumed) location of infection acquisition of the 28 new imported cases are: Americas (5) (5 from US), Europe (2) (1 from Ukraine, 1 from France), and Asia excluding China (21) (7 from Uzbekistan, 3 from the Philippines, 3 from Pakistan, 2 from Russia, 1 from Iraq, and 1 from Kazakhstan, 1 from Bangladesh, 1 from Japan, 1 from Kuwait, 1 from United Arab Emirates).

○ During 17 July, 154 ships entered 11 harbors (seaports) nationwide. On-board quarantine inspection was conducted for 75 ships.

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

○ Central Disease Control Headquarters continues to manage incoming travellers to prevent further importation of confirmed cases. It is advised to

   - always wear a mask after arrival and sanitize hands before and after getting luggage; use a vehicle provided by local governments or designated bus/train/taxi for incoming travellers when moving; if using a personal vehicle, minimize physical contact with a companion*, keep a proper distance, and refrain from eating or having a conversation;

    * A companion should be wear a mask as well and the vehicle should be regularly ventilated.

   - upon arrival at the residence, sterilize personal items; strictly adhere to quarantine instruction.

 ○ Use non-face-to-face methods for religious events and small group gatherings

   - If having on-site events, minimize attendees, maintain 2m distancing, require mask wearing at all times, replace singing with instrumental music, and avoid group meals or small group meetings.

 ○ In addition, since COVID-19 transmissions can occur in any closed, crowded, and close-contact spaces, KCDC requests that people avoid publicly used facilities such as nightlife venues, singing rooms, and PC cafes.

□  Central Disease Control Headquarters emphasized the importance of strict adherence to infection prevention and control guideline during the upcoming holiday season.

   - If having symptoms such as fever, sputum, nasal congestion, sore throat or muscle pain, postpone or cancel a vacation plan and get a consultation with a local health center.

   - Vacation should be taken with family or in a small group; crowded time or places should be avoided; personal vehicle should be used when moving.

   - At a vacation spot, keeping 2m distance from other people, washing hands, and wearing a mask are necessary. It is recommended to take a rest in a quite and peaceful place. Crowded and closed places should be avoided.