Gyeonggi Province: "Refusing epidemiological investigation, obstructing prevention measures, and non-cooperation with prosecutors are serious crimes…we will take strong action"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province warned that it will take strong administrative measures against acts that hinder quarantine efforts, such as non-cooperation with COVID-19 diagnostic tests or administrative orders banning gatherings, and concealing movement paths.

Lee Hee-young, co-head of the Gyeonggi Province COVID-19 Emergency Countermeasures Headquarters, held a regular briefing on the 26th and said, "Recently, there have been sporadic incidents of abusive language directed at quarantine medical institutions, fake news, and refusals or obstruction of epidemiological investigations occurring within the province."
The director stated, "Non-cooperative behavior in diagnostic testing and administrative orders banning gatherings, concealing or making false statements about movement paths without legitimate reasons, are serious criminal acts that cannot be tolerated in the current situation where all efforts are being focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19," and added, "We will never overlook such antisocial acts that undermine the quarantine system and threaten the safety of residents."
He also emphasized, "We will establish a collaborative system with municipalities and county offices and the relevant police stations, apply a zero-tolerance principle, and respond strictly with strong administrative measures including referrals for prosecution."

As of 0:00 on the 26th, the number of confirmed cases in Gyeonggi Province increased by 91 from 0:00 the previous day to a total of 2,797, with confirmed cases occurring in all 23 cities and counties in the province. Looking at the major transmission routes of new confirmed cases, there are 5 related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 4 related to the Gwanghwamun rally, 4 related to Woori Jeil Church in Yongin, and so on. Unknown source of infection cases account for 25.3%, or 23 cases. Elderly people aged 60 and over account for 28 cases, representing 30.8% of new confirmed cases.
With 5 additional confirmed cases, the cumulative number of confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church reached a total of 270. Among 1,055 test subjects, 933 completed testing with 270 testing positive, showing a 29% positive rate. The remaining 655 tested negative, and 8 are awaiting results. There are 15 people waiting for tests and 107 who have not yet been tested.

Regarding the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally, 4 additional cases were confirmed, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to a total of 57. Of the 6,171 people tested, 57 tested positive, 5,811 tested negative, and 303 are awaiting results.

As of 0:00 on the 26th, Gyeonggi Province has secured 570 hospital beds for treating confirmed cases across 14 hospitals in total, with 551 beds currently in use, representing 96.7% occupancy. The Gyeonggi Capital Region 2 Life Treatment Center in Ansan and the Gyeonggi Province No. 3 Life Treatment Center in Icheon, where mild cases are receiving treatment in isolation, can accommodate a total of 514 patients. As of 5:00 p.m. on the 25th, 285 patients were admitted, with an occupancy rate of 55.4% and 229 remaining available beds.
The province is preparing to open additional life treatment centers at Samsung Fire Global Campus in Goyang and the Korea Standards Association Talent Development Center in Anseong within this week.

The province stated, "Along with hospital beds, there is a severe shortage of medical personnel to handle patients," and added, "We especially need the help of nurses who can work continuous shifts for over a month at hospitals, life treatment centers, and home care operation units," appealing for participation of medical professionals in the Gyeonggi Province Emergency Medical Support Unit. Inquiries can be made to the province's call center (031-120), the Gyeonggi Province Government's social media channels (SNS), and the province and municipal/county volunteer centers.