Nightclubs under scanner as virus resurfaces in S Korea

SEOUL: South Korean officials scrambled on Monday to contain a new coronavirus outbreak, searching for thousands of people who may have been infected in a cluster of cases linked to nightclubs and bars in Seoul.

South Korea has been lauded for its quick, effective action on its epidemic, significantly reducing the rate of new infections in recent weeks, but the resurgence of cases has raised worries about a second wave of infections.

Officials reported 35 new cases as of midnight on Sunday, the second consecutive day of new cases of that magnitude and the highest numbers in more than a month. The country has reported 10,909 cases and 256 deaths so far.

Twenty-nine of the new cases were linked to several Seoul nightclubs and bars, many of them catering to members of the LGBTQ community.

Authorities have tested more than 2,450 people who went to the night spots in the Itaewon neighbourhood, but were still trying to track about 3,000 more. Hundreds of other people who came into contact with club patrons have also been tested.

“Our top priority is to minimise the spread of the infections,” Prime Minister Chung Sye Kyun said. “We should quickly find and test them, and speed is key.”

Health ministry official Yoon Tae Ho acknowledged concern that individuals within the LGBTQ community could face discrimination if they came forward.