Stop Overseas Influx... "Strengthening Quarantine Measures for Non-European Countries" Under Preparation (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government announced that it is preparing measures to strengthen quarantine for entrants from countries other than Europe to prevent the overseas inflow of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine team, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 23rd, "Although the risk level of other countries including the United States is not considered to be as high as Europe, we are closely monitoring the situation."

Yoon added, "Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also ordered at today's Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting that it is necessary to prepare measures to strengthen quarantine for entrants from regions other than Europe," and said, "We will announce the quarantine strengthening measures soon."

Additionally, on the first day of strengthened quarantine for entrants from Europe, among the 1,442 entrants yesterday, about 152 showed symptoms. Yoon said, "Entrants showing suspicious symptoms undergo diagnostic tests at airport quarantine isolation facilities, while asymptomatic entrants are moved to designated temporary living facilities to be tested and await results."

Even if the test result is 'negative,' Korean nationals or foreigners entering for long-term stay must undergo 14 days of self- or facility quarantine. Foreigners staying short-term are also subject to active monitoring for two weeks.

Meanwhile, to facilitate rapid diagnostic testing, about 40 'walk-through' screening clinics where people can be tested while walking will be installed at Incheon Airport starting from the 25th. Yoon stated, "By collecting specimens immediately upon entry and admitting entrants to temporary living facilities, we expect to reduce testing and result waiting times, thereby increasing the turnover rate of temporary living facilities."

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