Complete COVID Testing for US Arrivals... 4,400 Daily Arrivals, 44% Tested

Overseas Koreans from Iran and their family members holding Iranian nationality are moving to board vehicles to transfer to the KOICA Training Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, after returning through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 19th. They departed from Tehran, Iran, on the night of the 18th (local time), transited through Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and arrived at Incheon Airport that afternoon.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Following Europe, the government has decided to strengthen quarantine measures for arrivals from the United States, where confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are rapidly increasing. As a result, it is expected that comprehensive specimen testing will be conducted on approximately 4,400 daily arrivals.

On the 25th, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, "Following the comprehensive testing of arrivals from Europe, it is urgent to implement strengthened measures for arrivals from the United States," adding, "Considering the urgency, the goal is to implement this by 0:00 on the 27th at the latest."

Prime Minister Chung explained, "With the rapid increase in confirmed cases in the United States, it is expected that the demand for return among Korean nationals such as North American students feeling anxious will rise, so there is little time to delay."

Accordingly, COVID-19 specimen testing will be conducted on up to approximately 4,400 arrivals per day. Since the 20th of this month, the daily average number of arrivals from the United States and Canada has reached 2,500 to 3,000, while arrivals from Europe number around 1,200 to 1,400. Considering that the daily average number of arrivals through Incheon Airport and others is about 10,000, this means a comprehensive investigation will be conducted on about 44% of arrivals.

Regarding quarantine measures for arrivals from Europe, the measures differ for Korean nationals and foreign nationals. Asymptomatic Korean nationals are required to self-quarantine and undergo testing within three days of arrival at the local public health center. The government has been conducting diagnostic tests on all arrivals entering the country from Europe since 0:00 on the 22nd of this month, as COVID-19 rapidly spreads centered in Europe.

For foreigners, testing is conducted after quarantine at seven temporary isolation facilities located in Cheonan, Incheon, and other places. Foreigners entering the country for long-term stays are required to undergo self- or facility quarantine for 14 days even if they test negative, while short-term stayers will be subject to active monitoring.

Arrivals showing symptoms suspicious of COVID-19 such as fever or cough undergo diagnostic testing at airport quarantine observation facilities, while asymptomatic arrivals are moved to designated temporary living facilities for testing.

Deputy Director Kwon Jun-wook of the Central Disease Control Headquarters explained the background, saying, "This is to streamline the quarantine response system focusing on symptomatic individuals in preparation for the increase in symptomatic arrivals due to the surge in arrivals from Europe to Korea."

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