US Announces Medical Examinations for Korean Entrants

Trump Announces Testing for Travelers from High-Risk Countries via Tweet
Likely Targets Travelers from Korea and Italy

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 1st (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that medical screenings will be conducted on those coming from high-risk countries and regions for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Entry screenings for travelers from Korea are expected to begin soon.

President Trump mentioned on Twitter that "travelers coming from countries or regions designated as coronavirus risk areas will undergo medical screenings both before boarding and upon arrival in the United States." Although President Trump did not specify which countries, it is presumed that travelers from Korea and Italy, where travel advisories were strengthened for certain regions a day earlier, are included.

Previously, Vice President Mike Pence upgraded the travel advisory for Daegu and other parts of Korea and some regions in Italy to the highest level, 'Do Not Travel,' and announced enhanced medical screening measures.

This is interpreted as the U.S. government not imposing entry bans on travelers departing from Korea and Italy but aiming to prevent further spread and alleviate domestic concerns by strengthening dual medical screenings upon entry and exit.

In a broadcast interview on the same day, Vice President Pence said that the State Department had begun discussions with officials from Korea and Italy regarding quarantine measures for travelers coming to the U.S. from those countries, stating, "We are coordinating with them and seeking advice from relevant experts."

Pence’s spokesperson, Katie Miller, also explained in a press conference with CNN, "Screenings are already conducted upon entry for those who have stayed in China for 14 days, and this is being expanded to Korea." She added, "We are also discussing entry and exit screening measures with Italy and other European countries besides Korea."

Earlier, the government announced that to reduce the possibility of U.S. entry restrictions, it would strengthen the confirmation of COVID-19 symptoms before boarding for those departing from Korea to the United States.

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