[Q&A] Mandatory 2-Week Self-Quarantine for US Arrivals... "Full Survey Also Under Consideration"

Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] As the number of daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19 imported from overseas (51 cases) has surpassed the number of domestically transmitted cases (49 cases), health authorities are strengthening quarantine measures, including mandating a 2-week self-quarantine for arrivals from the United States.

On the 25th, Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "Among the 100 newly confirmed cases on the previous day (24th), 51 were imported cases," adding, "In particular, 8 cases in the Seoul area and most cases in Busan, Incheon, Ulsan, Gangwon, Chungnam, Jeju, and Gyeonggi regions were reported as imported cases."

Among the 51 imported cases the previous day, 29 were from Europe, 18 from North America (13 from the United States), and 4 from Asia. Of these, 44 were Korean nationals and 7 were foreigners. Thirty-four cases were identified at the quarantine stage, and 17 cases were identified in the community.

She continued, "To effectively block community transmission caused by imported cases, thorough quarantine at the point of entry and strict adherence to self-quarantine in the community are crucial," and "The government will strengthen quarantine measures for arrivals from the United States starting at midnight on the 27th."

Under these measures, symptomatic arrivals from the United States, regardless of nationality, will wait at airport quarantine facilities while undergoing diagnostic testing. If confirmed positive, they will be transferred to hospitals or residential treatment centers for care; if negative, they will be managed under 14 days of self-quarantine. Korean nationals without symptoms upon arrival or long-term foreign residents will undergo 14 days of self-quarantine, with diagnostic testing conducted if symptoms develop.

Meanwhile, during a phone call between President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day, the medical equipment requested by President Trump was confirmed to be "diagnostic reagents." Head Jung said, "The requested medical equipment is COVID-19 diagnostic reagents," adding, "Currently, five domestic companies have received emergency use authorization for diagnostic reagents, and nearly 20,000 tests are conducted daily in Korea. Support can be provided as long as it does not interfere with domestic quarantine efforts."

▲ Self-quarantine is mandatory for arrivals from Europe and the United States. For those without a place to self-quarantine, the government provides separate facilities. Where are these facilities located, and does the government cover accommodation and meal costs?

- About 85-90% of arrivals are Korean nationals, most of whom have residences in Korea. Foreigners account for about 10-15%, and among them, many long-term residents with foreign registration cards have residences in Korea. Those with residences undergo self-quarantine. For arrivals who cannot self-quarantine, local governments operate quarantine facilities.

▲ What is the average daily number of arrivals from the United States, and why are arrivals from the United States only required to quarantine for 14 days without universal diagnostic testing, unlike arrivals from Europe?

- The average daily number of arrivals from the United States is around 2,500. In comparison, arrivals from Europe average about 1,000 per day, so the number of arrivals from the United States is about 2.5 times higher. Currently, the proportion of confirmed cases among arrivals from Europe is higher than from the United States, so self-quarantine and diagnostic testing are prioritized for European arrivals. Considering testing capacity and specimen collection capabilities, for the United States, self-quarantine is used to block community transmission initially, with plans to consider expanding to universal testing later.

▲ Among asymptomatic Korean nationals arriving from Europe, testing at the airport is not conducted. If they are classified as contacts of confirmed cases on the same flight, what measures follow? If asymptomatic individuals use public transportation to go home, are there any countermeasures?

- About 1 or 2 COVID-19 positive cases are found per flight. This indicates widespread community transmission in Europe and other regions. Approximately 30 people seated within three rows in front and behind are classified as contacts. Those classified as contacts and those under self-quarantine are managed similarly. Contacts are notified and managed as contacts of the same confirmed case. Concerns have been raised about exposure risks during travel home for asymptomatic individuals. Symptomatic individuals are guided to get tested at the airport stage as much as possible. Asymptomatic individuals are advised to wear masks and follow personal hygiene rules when returning home. Measures to support transportation for asymptomatic arrivals are currently under internal review.

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