[Q&A] "On the First Day of Strengthened Quarantine from Europe, 8 Asymptomatic Cases Among 19 Confirmed"

On the 19th, when the government expanded the special entry procedures to all incoming travelers worldwide to prevent the influx of COVID-19, passengers arriving on a passenger flight from Frankfurt, Germany, at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport underwent the special entry procedures. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As quarantine measures for arrivals from Europe have been strengthened, 19 out of 1,444 arrivals on the first day have been confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) so far.

Yoon Tae-ho, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' Quarantine General Team (Public Health Policy Officer at the Ministry of Health and Welfare), announced this at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the same day.

All arrivals from Europe are subject to COVID-19 diagnostic testing. As of 9 a.m. on the first day, 19 arrivals were confirmed positive, and the number of confirmed cases may increase as more test results come in.

All confirmed cases have been transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment. Even if tested '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 two weeks of active monitoring.

Yoon said, "On the second day of strengthened quarantine, the 23rd, 1,203 people entered, among whom 101 showed symptoms," adding, "80 to 90% of arrivals from Europe are Korean nationals, including students, business travelers, expatriates and their families, and overseas Koreans."

◇Below is a Q&A with Head Yoon regarding the strengthened quarantine for arrivals from Europe

- Even on weekdays, daily arrivals reach 1,200. Is it possible to accommodate all in temporary facilities?

▲ We are currently preparing for arrivals from Europe. However, we are closely monitoring the increasing trend of arrivals and the rising risk from continents other than Europe, and we intend to respond flexibly. The most important focus for the quarantine authorities is to prioritize symptomatic individuals first. From this perspective, we are internally reviewing the measures for arrivals from Europe.

- Will there be comprehensive testing for arrivals from the Americas as well?

▲ We are preparing measures for people arriving from not only the U.S. but worldwide, considering whether to apply measures similar to those for Europe. We expect to announce the results soon.

- There have been cases where asymptomatic individuals tested positive after returning home. What about that?

▲ We apologize for that. There was some confusion due to a much larger number of arrivals from Europe than expected. Before the strengthened quarantine, it was difficult to keep arrivals from Europe waiting for a long time after specimen collection until results were available. Therefore, to minimize contact, we initially allowed them to move on their own.

Also, on the first day of implementation on the 22nd, the number of symptomatic individuals was higher than the prepared capacity. Additionally, more arrivals reported suspicious symptoms than expected. We apologize for the unnecessary waiting at the airport. We are preparing various alternatives to minimize such issues.

- Among the 19 confirmed cases from arrivals from Europe, how many were symptomatic and how many asymptomatic?

▲ 11 were symptomatic, and 8 were asymptomatic.

- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun pointed out that the testing process for arrivals from Europe was not smooth today. Besides waiting times and facility issues, were there other problems?

▲ The main issue was the waiting time. The long wait at the airport increases the risk of cross-infection, which was pointed out.

- Is there a plan to change the comprehensive testing of arrivals from Europe from all arrivals to only symptomatic individuals?

▲ No. As the number of arrivals from Europe increases and the risk level rises in the U.S. and Asia, we will focus on symptomatic individuals for more efficient response, but we will adjust flexibly to prevent any problems.

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