[Q&A] "Support for Foreigners' Testing and Treatment is for Public Interest... Not a Waste of Taxes" (Comprehensive)

Jung Eun-kyung, Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] In response to criticism that the government’s support of diagnostic testing and treatment costs for foreign nationals entering Korea using public funds is a 'waste of taxes,' the quarantine authorities stated, "It is not wasteful because it serves the public interest to prevent harm to our citizens."

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, said at a regular briefing on the afternoon of the 23rd, "Because the purpose is to protect our citizens from infectious diseases and to block transmission, (foreign nationals) are subject to mandatory quarantine and treatment, so budget support through public funds or health insurance is necessary," she said.

The government mandated diagnostic testing for all arrivals from Europe starting at midnight on the 22nd. According to the quarantine authorities, on the first day of implementation, 1,324 people entered Korea via six flights from Europe, of whom 1,221 were Korean nationals and 103 were foreigners. Including those who boarded in Europe initially, a total of 1,442 people entered, with 152 showing symptoms. Among 1,290 asymptomatic individuals, six received negative test results by 7 p.m. the previous day and were sent home, while the rest are awaiting results. As of midnight that day, among 64 new confirmed domestic cases, 14 were imported (6 from Europe, 8 from the Americas), with 13 Koreans and 1 foreigner identified.

◇ Below is the Q&A with Director Jung Eun-kyung regarding government support for diagnostic testing and treatment costs for foreigners

- It is expected that a significant number of arrivals from Europe are not enrolled in health insurance. How will diagnostic testing and treatment costs for symptomatic and confirmed cases among them be covered?

▲ Because diagnostic testing is conducted by quarantine authorities only for arrivals from high-risk areas suspected of infectious diseases, the testing costs are borne by public funds. If confirmed positive, treatment costs for foreigners are also supported by public funds. Unlike treatment for other chronic diseases, infectious diseases require mandatory quarantine and treatment to protect our citizens and block transmission. We consider that budget support through public funds or health insurance for insured individuals is necessary for these public interest measures.

- What was the total testing cost for arrivals from Europe yesterday, and what is the legal basis for the government covering testing costs for foreign arrivals?

▲ Since asymptomatic individuals do not produce sputum, testing is mainly conducted using upper respiratory specimens. The cost for one upper respiratory specimen test conducted at public health centers or public institutions is known to be less than 70,000 KRW. Payments are made at that scale. There is a legal basis under the Quarantine Act to conduct quarantine investigations and testing for foreigners suspected of infectious diseases.

Image source=Yonhap News

- There is criticism that government coverage of testing costs for foreign arrivals is a 'waste of taxes.' What is your opinion on this? Also, what are the specific costs for living expenses and paid leave provided to foreigners?

▲ Even if only one infected person enters, there is concern about secondary and tertiary harm to Korean nationals caused by that person. Because the purpose is to block this, it is not considered wasteful. Support is provided to prevent the domestic inflow of infectious diseases and for early diagnosis. Regarding paid leave and living expense support, specific guidelines or policies have not yet been decided by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters. Once decided, we will explain separately.

- Are you considering mandatory diagnostic testing for all arrivals from regions other than Europe, such as the United States and South America?

▲ Confirmed cases are occurring among arrivals from the United States, the Americas, and South America. Testing is being conducted extensively in the U.S., and the number of confirmed cases is increasing. Although the risk is not yet as high as in Europe, it is expected to rise soon. We plan to continuously monitor the outbreak status in those countries and the proportion of confirmed cases among arrivals, and to gradually expand necessary measures.

- Why is it not possible to immediately strengthen entry quarantine measures such as mandatory testing for all arrivals from the U.S.?

▲ Internal discussions are ongoing regarding when and how to implement such measures. We need to comprehensively review capabilities and costs related to testing, quarantine, and self-isolation. These factors are being considered together.

- Korea has implemented strengthened 'social distancing' measures since yesterday but has not imposed restrictions such as curfews or lockdowns like some other countries. What is the basis for this decision?

▲ We continuously assess the risk of cluster infections and overseas inflows and always consider the intensity and level of measures. Currently, if high-intensity social distancing is properly implemented according to principles for about two weeks, it is believed that community transmission can be significantly blocked and rapid spread delayed or reduced in scale. The intensity and level of measures should be determined based on risk assessment and predictions.

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