Authorities: "Quite a few symptomatic arrivals from Europe... May expand special entry measures" (Update)

On the 13th, when Hong Kong and Macau were designated as COVID-19 contaminated areas and special entry procedures for Hong Kong and Macau began, passengers from Hong Kong flights lined up at Incheon International Airport in Jung-gu, Incheon to install the 'Self-Diagnosis App.' / Yeongjongdo = Photo by Airport Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As the number of people arriving from Europe, a region experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, who test positive or show suspected symptoms increases, health authorities have announced plans to diversify special entry procedures depending on the situation.

On the afternoon of the 15th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, said at a regular briefing, "Not only is the number of arrivals from Europe considerable, but there are also quite a few symptomatic individuals who require testing due to fever or other symptoms. Since many countries in Europe are expected to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, we will be prepared to expand the special entry management areas at any time to respond accordingly."

From midnight on the same day, special entry procedures were applied to travelers arriving in South Korea from five European countries: France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. This expands the scope from the previous six countries?China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Italy, and Iran?to a total of eleven countries. Travelers from these regions, regardless of nationality, must undergo a one-on-one fever screening.

If travelers exhibit symptoms suspicious of COVID-19, such as coughing, sputum, or sore throat, they must report these in advance. Quarantine officers will check special quarantine declaration forms during the entry process. Additionally, travelers must provide their domestic address and a reachable phone number, and install a 'self-diagnosis application' on their mobile devices to report their health status. If symptoms are reported for more than two days, public health centers will assess whether the individual is a suspected case and guide them to diagnostic testing.

Among arrivals from Europe, cases have emerged, including a man in his 20s from Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, who returned from studying in Italy and was confirmed positive on the same day. Deputy Head Kwon stated, "We are monitoring over 1,000 cases through the special entry procedures. To diversify the regions covered, we need to expand and enhance personnel, facilities, and equipment at frontline quarantine stations, and we will make thorough preparations for this."

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