[Q&A] "1600 Isolation and Testing Rooms Prepared for Foreign Entrants"

On the 27th, when enhanced quarantine measures for arrivals from the United States began, passengers arriving on a flight from San Francisco, USA, were exiting the gate at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport. People with suspected COVID-19 symptoms must undergo diagnostic testing, and asymptomatic individuals are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 30th, the government explained that the support for testing and treatment costs for overseas arrivals is for public interest purposes.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the same day, "The support for testing and treatment costs for overseas arrivals is not a benefit but a public interest purpose to prevent the spread of infection."

The government has mandated a 2-week self-quarantine for all arrivals starting April 1. Foreign tourists and other arrivals without a residence must bear a facility usage fee of 100,000 KRW per day and stay at government-designated facilities for 2 weeks. However, testing and treatment costs are supported for both foreigners and nationals according to international regulations.

Chief Coordinator Kim explained, "Considering points such as arrivals being based on individual choice and concerns about side effects inducing domestic arrivals, living support expenses will not be provided."

If overseas arrivals do not comply with quarantine regulations, they may face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Kim said, "COVID-19 is rapidly spreading worldwide," and added, "This is a measure to block infection factors coming from overseas."

◇Below is a Q&A with Chief Coordinator Kim regarding quarantine for arrivals

-What is the scale of facilities for arrivals without a residence?

▲It was judged that facilities accommodating about 1,500 people are needed. Additionally, a temporary waiting facility for 500 people is required after testing at the airport. Combining the two, about 1,900 to 2,000 people need to be accommodated. So far, facilities for about 1,600 people have been secured. It is expected that they can accommodate without major difficulties immediately.

-There are concerns that overseas arrivals before April 1 should be mandatorily self-quarantined rather than recommended. What is your view?

▲It is legally difficult to impose mandatory measures retroactively as a statutory obligation. However, it is very difficult to clearly assess whether their risk level has significantly increased or decreased around a certain point in time, so voluntary understanding and cooperation are being sought. This is an obligation that must be observed as a member of the community for the safety of not only themselves and their families but also neighbors and society. Although this is presented as a recommendation, thorough implementation is being pursued on site.

-Are there any difficulties faced by local governments as the number of self-quarantine subjects increases?

▲The highest number of self-quarantine subjects was about 34,000. Currently, it is about 14,000, so local governments can still manage sufficiently. Also, the government has developed a self-quarantine safety protection app in preparation for a significant increase in the number of self-quarantine subjects. Therefore, even if the number increases further, if the app is used efficiently, there should be no major problems.

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