Coronavirus: South Korea reports new infection cluster linked to nightclubs
- A 29-year-old man visited three nightclubs that had at least 1,500 patrons in Seoul’s popular Itaewon neighbourhood over the weekend
- Local media initially identified the nightspots as ‘gay clubs’, sparking criticism that it could lead to discrimination and deter club-goers from getting tested
The IT company employee had spread the virus to at least 14 others as he wandered around the capital Seoul and four neighbouring cities over a long weekend period at the start of the month, said the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
While the 12 cases were those confirmed in the 24 hours before midnight on Thursday, more cases had since been detected, with 12 of these – including three foreigners and a South Korean soldier – linked to three nightclubs in Seoul’s popular multicultural neighbourhood of Itaewon.
The man visited the three clubs last Friday and early on Saturday and there were at least 1,500 people there, authorities said. The man did not wear a mask while in the clubs and only started showing symptoms late on Saturday.
The government now plans to issue an administrative order asking entertainment venues such as nightclubs and bars to voluntarily suspend operations for at least one more month, Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, announced on Friday.