US Department of Homeland Security Investigates China Visit History for All Arrivals... "Measure to Protect American Citizens"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it will significantly strengthen entry procedures for all airline passengers entering the United States to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) within the U.S., including verifying whether they have visited China. Additionally, Americans who have visited China within the past 14 days must enter only through designated airports, and foreigners who have visited China within the past 14 days will be barred from entering the United States.

On the 2nd (local time), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that from that day forward, all airline passengers entering the U.S. will be checked to see if they have visited mainland China within the past 14 days, and passports may be inspected if necessary. Furthermore, Americans who have visited mainland China within the past 14 days are required to enter only through seven designated airports within the U.S. American citizens who have recently resided in Hubei Province, China, within the past 14 days must undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days, corresponding to the incubation period. Except for exceptional cases, foreigners who have visited mainland China within the past 14 days will be denied entry into the U.S.

If it is discovered that any passenger on a flight entering the U.S. has been in China within the last two weeks, travelers with no connection to China may also be redirected to enter through one of the seven designated airports. Chad Wolf, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, explained, "This measure is to contain the virus and protect Americans," adding, "We will continue to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and take measures to slow the spread."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.