UK Advises Returnees from Asia Including Korea, China, and Japan to Report Suspected Symptoms

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The UK government has urged its citizens returning from nine Asian regions, including China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, to immediately report if they exhibit symptoms related to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

On the 7th, the UK government posted travel advisories with this information on its official website. The advisory applies to those returning from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Macau. If they have returned within 14 days and show symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or coughing, they are instructed to contact authorities immediately.

If symptoms appear, individuals are advised to stay indoors and avoid contact with others. The UK nationals are emphasized to call the National Health Service (NHS) 111 call center. The UK government added that even mild symptoms should prompt adherence to this advisory.

The UK government stated that the nine regions were designated based on the volume of air travel from affected areas, alternative travel routes, and the number of reported cases. Additionally, those who have returned within 14 days after visiting Wuhan or Hubei Province are also asked to call NHS 111 and report their travel history.

A UK media outlet explained that this measure was taken amid increasing pressure to ban all travelers from China, the outbreak's origin, as the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia have taken firm actions in response to the novel coronavirus spread. The UK government has faced criticism for its previously passive response to the outbreak.

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