영국발 변이 바이러스 감염 2명 추가 확인…총 5건 발생<br /><br />Two more cases of the new COVID-19 variant have been reported in South Korea today ... bringing the total to five... with additional testing ongoing.<br />The variant has also been discovered in the U.S. and Taiwan.<br />Jang Tae-hyun reports.<br />Two additional cases of the new COVID-19 variant have been reported in S. Korea; bringing the total to five.<br />According to authorities, one is a South Korean man in his 80s who was found to have contracted the new variant after he died in hospital in Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do Province.<br />He returned to South Korea in mid-December and had an underlying heart condition.<br />Three family members have also tested positive and further testing is underway to determine whether they have the new variant.<br />One of whom returned to South Korea earlier than the others and visited a hospital, a hair salon and a supermarket... so further transmissions are possible.<br />However, one health expert reiterates the importance of wearing masks.<br />"The virus itself cannot pass through masks. It's transmitted when talking or sneezing. It does have a higher rate of transmission but if people wear masks properly people won't get infected any easier."<br />Another case is a woman in her 20s who transited in the United Arab Emirates.<br />She tested positive upon arrival in Korea and is now receiving treatment.<br />The other three cases are all family members who came in from the UK.<br />In the U.S., a first case of the new variant has been reported in Colorado.<br />Health authorities are investigating as to whether there could be any more throughout the state.<br />Meanwhile, in Taiwan one case of the new COVID-19 variant has been discovered.<br />Foreign nationals without residency permits will be banned from entering the country starting New Year's Day.<br />Jang Tae-hyun, Arirang News.<br />
