A cluster infection of COVID-19 around a church is alarming authorities.
SEOUL, South Korea – A controversial South Korean minister tested positive for COVID-19 after attending an anti-government mass on Saturday that drew tens of thousands of people to ask for the oath of South Korean President Moon Jae- in.
Health authorities have warned against open-air meetings for fear of spreading the virus, but many worshipers of Sarang Jeil Church led by pastor Jun Kwang-hun have reportedly joined the protest.
Jun and his church members have been at the center of criticism in recent months, as they were known to offer tight-fitting suits and against warnings by health officials. President Moon sharply criticized the church on Sunday, calling its presence at the rally “an unpardonable act.”
Health authorities have struggled with sporadic outbreaks in Seoul and its neighboring cities, while the number of patients is on the rise.
In fact, South Korea had just the sharpest daily increase in five months with a total of 745 people testing positive in the last four days, bringing the total infections to 15,515, including 305 deaths, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Social distancing rules were tightened on Street Two on Sunday, meaning public facilities and facilities were closed with a high risk of spreading the virus. Sporting events were also switched to games without an audience. In addition, nursery schools to junior high schools this week were ready to resume lessons ordered to accept only one-third of students for classroom instruction, while the rest would take online classes.
More than 4,000 members of the church, led by Pastor Jun Kwang-hun, have been instructed to self-isolate and test.
Jun, 64, is a radical conservative activist who has also been vocal in his criticism of left-wing Liberal President Moon.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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