"Stop Reverse Inflow with Entry Ban" vs "Quarantine Strengthening is Enough" What Do You Think?

Increase in COVID-19 Reverse Import Cases... Total 363
28% of New Cases on 27th Related to Overseas Inflow
Government: "90% of All Overseas Inflow Patients Are Citizens... Entry Ban Measures Have Limitations"

On the afternoon of the 2nd of last month, when concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus infection were rising, passengers wearing masks were moving through Terminal 2 of Incheon Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation prolongs, concerns among citizens are growing due to an increase in confirmed cases among overseas arrivals.

While some citizens argue for a ban on entry due to fears of reverse transmission, others contend that such a ban would be excessive as it could harm nationals residing abroad, leading to ongoing debates.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 28th, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country was 9,478 as of the previous day (the 27th). Among these, 363 cases were imported, with 168 confirmed at quarantine within the last two weeks.

On that day, 28.1% of new confirmed cases were identified as imported. Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the CDCH, stated at the regular briefing, "Among the 146 new confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday, 41 were related to overseas importation." Of these, 25 were arrivals from Europe, with 12 from the Americas and 4 from Asian regions excluding China.

Consequently, citizens are raising their voices in concern over reverse transmission. Some have called for a complete ban on entry to prevent the spread of COVID-19, citing that overseas reverse transmission could lead to community infections and worsen the situation.

A man in his 50s, Mr. A, said, "Despite the recent significant increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases among overseas arrivals, the government keeps repeating that it will not impose an entry ban." He added, "This is just putting the protection of our citizens on the back burner while worrying about other countries' opinions."

He continued, "Looking at other countries, they immediately close their borders when COVID-19 spreads. Economically, the losses would certainly be significant, but isn't it more important to block overseas arrivals and quickly calm the COVID-19 situation?"

The problem lies in the fact that a considerable number of overseas arrivals are nationals. If the government bans entry for overseas arrivals, it would also block the return of nationals residing or staying abroad, making it impossible to protect them.

On the afternoon of the 3rd of last month, arriving passengers wearing masks are leaving the departure hall at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

Office worker Mr. B (31) said, "I understand the concerns about the spread of infection, but a complete ban on overseas arrivals seems excessive." He pointed out, "It is tantamount to saying that we will not protect international students studying abroad or nationals who have left for work."

Mr. B added, "There are also many foreigners continuing economic activities domestically; are we going to block all their entries? We need to consider all aspects. Simply blocking entry because reverse transmission is increasing is too simplistic. Other measures like strengthening quarantine should be considered."

University student Ms. C (24) also said, "I read articles that there are difficulties in airport quarantine due to a lack of personnel and facilities." She stated, "I think it is better to improve these aspects and strengthen quarantine rather than restrict entry."

She continued, "Not only symptomatic individuals should be quarantined, but all arrivals should be quarantined for two weeks, and only allowed to return home after testing negative. I think this is the most realistic approach." She added, "If better quarantine measures are implemented, the risk of community infection will also decrease."

Meanwhile, the government announced that it is strengthening quarantine procedures for overseas arrivals but is not considering entry bans.

According to government measures, from 12:00 AM on the 30th, all passengers boarding flights to Korea will undergo fever screening. Passengers with a body temperature exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius will be prohibited from boarding.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 27th, "Considering that 90% of all imported cases are our nationals, there are limitations to adopting extreme measures such as an immediate entry ban," expressing a negative stance on entry bans.

Prime Minister Chung added, "While new confirmed cases infected domestically have decreased to a relatively stable level, the proportion of imported cases is increasing. Managing risks from overseas arrivals is very important at this point." He emphasized, "To prevent the spread of imported cases into the community, the current system, which is based on mandatory self-quarantine, must be thoroughly implemented."

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