This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on reported cases from long-term care facilities. As of April 20 th , 2020, 3 long-term care facilities in a metropolitan area of South Korea had reported cases of COVID-19. These facilities’ employees were presumed to be the sources of infection. There were 2 nursing hospitals that did not report any additional cases. One nursing home had a total of 25 cases, with an attack rate of 51.4% (95% CI 35.6–67.0), and a fatality rate of 38.9% (95% CI 20.3–61.4) among residents. The results from this study suggest that early detection and maintenance of infection control minimizes the risk of rapid transmission.

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An epidemiological investigation was conducted of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak related to a church in Seoul. Basic epidemiological data were collected using a standardized form. Among 48 confirmed cases of COVID-19 related to 'Church X', transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was identified among church staff members and their families, and church members and their families and colleagues. Two major interrelated clusters were identified that included 12 staff members and 10 church members (including one staff member). It is important to implement rapid case finding and contact tracing to prevent snowballing outbreaks from the church to the community. In addition, social distancing could be a major measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within churches and the community.