Coronavirus cases on the rise in South Korea

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the total cases of the Coronavirus cases in South Korea has increased, totaling 156 at the moment.  This makes South Korea the country with the highest number of Coronavirus cases outside of mainland China.

The majority of the cases are centered in the city of Daegu, located 300km southeast of Seoul.  Out of the 156 cases, 39 are linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.  Fifty-two additional members of the church have shown symptoms, but the diagnosis has not been confirmed.  The source of the virus in the church was a 61-year-old woman.  The woman developed a fever around February 10 and attended church four times before being diagnosed.  Approximately 1000 additional members have been asked to self isolate in their homes.  The church has closed down all of its facilities nationwide.

The mayor of Daegu responded by cancelling school for young children and public libraries.  He has also advised residents to stay indoors. South Korean and U.S. military forces in the area are prohibited from leaving their bases or receiving visitors.