Government Lifts 'Entry Restrictions' Card... "Considering Regional Expansion" (Comprehensive)

"Strongest Infectious Disease Measures in History"
All 'Second Return' Wuhan Evacuees Test Negative

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government announced that it will continuously review expanding the list of countries subject to entry restrictions to prevent the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus infection.

On the 3rd, Kim Kang-lip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, said at the regular briefing of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for the novel coronavirus, "We will focus on the perfect implementation of the current entry restriction measures," but added, "We will continue to review the necessity."

The government will restrict entry of all foreigners who have visited Hubei Province, China, within the last 14 days starting from midnight on the 4th. Vice Minister Kim said, "Entry restrictions are the strongest measures ever taken by any government against infectious diseases," and added, "Whether to expand the restricted areas further will be reviewed based on the progression of the disease."

Meanwhile, among the 333 Korean nationals from Wuhan who arrived on the 1st via the second chartered flight, 326 asymptomatic individuals all tested negative. Vice Minister Kim explained, "Samples were collected from 326 asymptomatic returnees for comprehensive testing before entry, and all results were negative."

All seven symptomatic individuals who were tested earlier upon arrival due to symptoms also tested negative the previous day. Accordingly, all 333 passengers on the second chartered flight tested negative. However, one confirmed case (patient number 13) was reported from the first chartered flight.

The government plans to conduct up to two additional tests for the returnees. Vice Minister Kim stated, "If symptoms appear while the returnees are staying at temporary living facilities, additional tests will be conducted, and a confirmation test will also be performed before discharge."

Regarding the possibility of infection during the incubation period, he said, "The final test will be conducted after 14 days have passed since their return," and added, "If the result of this test is negative, it will be considered the final negative judgment."

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