(2nd LD) False information provided by omicron-positive couple during contact tracing puts many at risk of infection

(ATTN: UPDATE latest information in paragraphs 4-5)

INCHEON, 02 Dec. (Yonhap) — A couple, who first tested positive for the omicron variant coronavirus in South Korea, lied about how they got home from the airport upon returning from Nigeria, leaving dozens people at risk of infection.

The couple – a pastor and his wife in their 40s – first told health officials they had taken one of the officially designated infection-proof ‘quarantine’ taxis home from the airport Incheon International on November 24.

But it was later discovered that a friend of the couple, an Uzbek national, had driven them home in a private vehicle. This left the friend off the radar of health authorities even after the couple tested positive for COVID-19 on November 25.

The friend moved around without any restrictions for six days, coming into contact with 87 people, including family members, friends and colleagues, and putting them at risk of COVID-19 infection. He later tested positive for the new variant.

Officials said two of them – his wife and his mother-in-law – have been classified as suspected cases of omicron and an investigation is underway.

Health authorities said they were considering whether to file charges of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention Law against the couple, saying their “misrepresentation left the Uzbek man uncategorized as those who entered in close contact with COVID-19 patients”.