Former Head of Disease Control "Don't Know Who Infected Whom... Full Entry Ban on Chinese Entrants Should Be Considered"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Professor Jeon Byung-yul of CHA University Graduate School of Medicine (former Director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has argued that a complete ban on entry from China, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), should be considered.

On the 3rd, Professor Jeon appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and said, "Travelers are entering from China, and many people who have already entered the country from China may be unaware that they are infected patients and could spread the infection to many people while going about their daily lives. Since travel restrictions have been implemented in countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, bold entry restrictions are necessary."

Professor Jeon stated, "Patients already appeared in Wuhan, China, in early December, and for nearly three weeks, the situation was left uncontrolled," adding, "Although the government belatedly announced restrictions on foreigners entering from Hubei Province, about 60% of patients occurred in Hubei Province, and 40% occurred in places like Guangzhou and Zhengzhou. If we do not block the 40%, it will be impossible to prevent an increase in confirmed cases domestically."

He continued, "So far, all 15 confirmed patients are related to Wuhan, and since contacts are being fully controlled, we are doing our best to manage patients whose infection sources are known," adding, "Within China, it is unknown to whom the virus has spread, and such cases could exist in our country as well."

Regarding the question, "Is the novel coronavirus a frightening disease?" he replied, "Because it is a mutant virus, there is no treatment, and we have to rely on symptomatic therapy. Especially, patients with underlying conditions such as the elderly, hypertension, diabetes, or cancer can rapidly deteriorate and die, so we must not be complacent." He added, "All 15 patients currently have no underlying conditions and are in good condition, but no one knows what situation might arise if a severely ill elderly patient appears."

Meanwhile, the government will completely ban entry of all foreigners who have stayed or visited Hubei Province, China, starting from midnight on the 4th. Korean nationals who have visited Hubei Province will be quarantined at home for 14 days, and the visa-free entry system allowing temporary entry to Jeju Island will also be temporarily suspended.

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