All were tested on the first and 14th day of quarantine. Six passengers were positive for COVID-19 on day 1 and were sent to the hospital. They showed no symptoms on day 14, and were categorized as asymptomatic.
On day 14, a 28-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19. The only time she removed her mask during the 11-hour flight was when she was using the toilet she shared with passengers with her. Among these was one in six who were asymptomatic, meaning they had the coronavirus but never showed symptoms. The woman did not go outside and was quarantined only three weeks before the flight.
Considering that the woman did not use public transportation to get to the airport, the scientists wrote, it is very likely that her infection was transmitted via the flight through indirect contact with an asymptomatic patient. The remaining 292 passengers were released from quarantine on day 15, and all crew members tested negative.
“Because KCDC has performed strong infection control procedures when boarding; the medical staff and crew members were trained in infection control; all passengers, medical personnel and crew members were tested twice for SARS-CoV-2; and a precise epidemiological inquiry was conducted, “the scientists wrote,” the most plausible explanation for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to a passenger on the plane is that it was infected by an asymptomatic but infected passenger while using a toilet on board. ”
The team said its research provides evidence of asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 to an aircraft. “Further attention is guaranteed to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 to aircraft. Our results suggest that strict global regulations to prevent COVID-19 transmission on aircraft may prevent emergencies for public health. ”
