Importance of controlling church outbreaks during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: an epidemiological study

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 inter-related 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.