Brazil Strengthens Quarantine for Korean Travelers Ahead of Carnival Event

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Brazil strengthened quarantine measures on the 21st (local time) for travelers arriving from seven Asian countries, including Korea, in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The countries in question are Korea, North Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. Until now, this measure was only applied to travelers from China, but as the infection spread in Asian countries, the scope of application has expanded.

North Korea was included in the strengthened quarantine measures despite no official confirmed cases being reported yet.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health also explained that this measure is a preemptive action ahead of the Carnival festival. It is estimated that 1.36 million tourists will use 42 airports nationwide during the period from the 21st to the 27th, which includes the Brazilian Carnival (on the 25th). During this period, the number of flights is also expected to increase by 4.45% to 11,556 flights compared to 11,164 flights last year, indicating a significant rise in travelers and raising concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 within Brazil.

As of this day, no confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in Brazil, with one suspected case.

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