CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION

[Anchor Lead]

The COVID-19 situation remains serious in the Seoul metropolitan area. In Incheon, five firefighters have contracted the coronavirus, prompting the closure of a major fire station. And some 30 people tested positive after attending a golf gathering in Gyeonggi-do Province.

[Pkg]

A rescue center in Incheon. Two firefighters tested COVID-19 positive after their co-worker, a driver of a pumper fire truck, contracted the virus.

[Soundbite] (OFFICIAL AT NAMDONG-GU DISTRICT WARD(VOICE ALTERED)) : "There are many close contacts as they all work and rest at the same time."

At another rescue center 3 km away, two firefighters also tested positive.
Altogether, 5 firefighters contracted the virus. The main fire station has been closed, and some 290 firefighters and social service agents are receiving testing. This fire station is always busy because of frequent blazes and accidents at a nearby industrial complex. Its closure could cause serious shortage of firefighters.

[Soundbite] YOO JI-YEON(INCHEON FIRE DEPARTMENT) : "We are operating a temporary team at a temporary location with fire engines and staff from various centers."

Another cluster outbreak occurred at a golf gathering held in Yongin on October 17. Cases among those who attended the event as well as their family members continue to rise and have already surpassed 30.

[Soundbite] KWAK JIN(CENTRAL DISEASE CONTROL HEADQUARTERS) : "We have found that some 80 people attended the gathering. They came into contact while playing golf and having a meal together."

Quarantine authorities are warning of a possible spike in infections as relaxed social distancing measures have led to an increase in gatherings.