Special Entry Procedures from the US to be Implemented from 0:00 on the 27th (Comprehensive)

Prime Minister Jeong: "Surge in Return Demand, No Time to Delay"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] As concerns over the overseas influx of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) grow, the government plans to impose a 2-week self-quarantine measure on arrivals from the United States starting from midnight on the 27th.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 25th regarding strengthened measures for arrivals from the US related to the COVID-19 situation, "Following the comprehensive testing of arrivals from Europe, urgent strengthened measures for arrivals from the US are necessary."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "With the rapid increase in confirmed cases in the US, it is expected that the demand for return of our citizens, including North American students who feel anxious, will increase, leaving little time to delay," adding, "Considering the urgency, the goal is to implement this no later than midnight on the 27th."

According to the CDSCH, as of midnight on the same day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 100 from the previous day to 9,137. Among these, 51 new confirmed cases were identified during quarantine procedures from overseas arrivals.

As overseas influx of COVID-19 increased, the government began conducting COVID-19 diagnostic tests on all arrivals from Europe starting from the 22nd. However, with the rapid surge of infections in the US, calls have been made to strengthen quarantine procedures for arrivals from the US as well.

According to foreign media such as CNN, as of the 24th (local time), the number of COVID-19 patients in the US reached 50,076, surpassing 50,000. The number is increasing by about 10,000 per day. The death toll was reported as 646.

Special entry procedures for overseas arrivals are also expected to be further strengthened. Lee Nak-yeon, Chair of the Democratic Party’s COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Committee, stated at a briefing after the 4th Party-Government-Civil Meeting on COVID-19 held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 25th, "The proportion of overseas arrivals among new confirmed cases is surprisingly high," adding, "We will enforce stricter implementation."

He said, "Unfortunately, there are people who do not follow quarantine guidelines," and added, "I believe it is right to firmly ensure that such individuals comply with the guidelines."

Lee also explained, "We have decided to expedite early orders for national projects that are perceived to be delayed on the ground," adding, "Even if work does not start immediately, placing orders in advance is necessary to relieve pressure on the field."

He further added, "The 3rd Emergency Economic Meeting next week will reach a certain conclusion on livelihood support measures," and requested, "Please closely consult within the party and government this week on direct support issues to the public, including disaster relief funds."

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