Minister Kang Kyung-hwa: "Expect Many Restrictions to Ease as 'COVID-19' Situation Calms Down"

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is checking a fever screening camera while on her way to meet the rapid response team formed to support Korean nationals quarantined in Vietnam due to COVID-19 prevention measures at Terminal 1 departure hall of Incheon International Airport on the 5th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] "As the domestic situation calms down, we expect various restrictions to be lifted."

On the morning of the 5th, Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who visited Incheon Airport to encourage the rapid response team departing for Vietnam, told reporters at the airport, "As a result of intensive testing for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) centered in Daegu, the number of confirmed cases was very high, but I think it will decrease going forward."

Inconveniences for Koreans are increasing due to entry restrictions worldwide. As of 9 a.m. that day, 96 countries were reported to have imposed entry bans, quarantine, or strengthened inspections. Thirty-six countries have imposed entry bans on all of Korea, and four countries have imposed entry bans on certain regions of Korea. Twenty-three countries have implemented quarantine measures, and 33 countries have taken measures such as strengthened inspections and recommendations.

Minister Kang said, "It is not at all that the goodwill or willingness to cooperate with Korea has decreased, but we have been told that these are inevitable measures considering their domestic quarantine systems," adding, "I think these measures will be largely lifted by the other countries after some time."

Additionally, Minister Kang also checked the progress of special entry procedures being conducted for Chinese travelers.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is moving on the 5th to meet the rapid response team formed to support Korean nationals quarantined in Vietnam due to COVID-19 prevention measures at Terminal 1 departure hall of Incheon International Airport. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

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