Increase in COVID-19 Patients from Middle East and Africa... "Diagnostic Tests for All Entrants" (Update)

On the 29th of last month, overseas arrivals are receiving transportation-related guidance at Terminal 1 arrivals hall of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 among those entering the country from the Middle East and Africa steadily increases, the government has decided to conduct diagnostic tests for all overseas arrivals. Currently, most local governments conduct tests for overseas arrivals, but the government has now enabled diagnostic testing at the national level.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters for COVID-19, said in a briefing on the 10th, "New confirmed cases are steadily being identified mainly among arrivals from Europe and the Americas, and recently, the proportion of confirmed cases among arrivals from the Middle East and Africa, such as Tanzania and Pakistan, has increased." She added, "We will strengthen national funding support so that arrivals from regions other than Europe and the United States can receive one diagnostic test during their self-quarantine period."

As COVID-19 cases surge worldwide, the government requires all overseas arrivals to self-quarantine for two weeks after entry. Those showing symptoms at the time of entry may undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing during quarantine. Local governments currently cover the costs of diagnostic tests conducted during the self-quarantine period. Going forward, the government will bear these costs. Last month, diagnostic testing was made mandatory for arrivals from Europe and the United States due to a sharp increase in cases in those regions. This measure was taken in response to the recent rise in positive cases among arrivals from other regions such as the Middle East and Africa.

According to the Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight today, the total number of confirmed cases in the country is 10,874, of which 1,127 are related to overseas inflow cases, accounting for over 10% of the total. Including 158 related cases from contact with overseas inflow patients, the figure approaches 12% of all confirmed cases. About 90% of overseas inflow patients are Korean nationals. By region, the Americas account for the largest number with 483 cases, followed by Europe with 461, and Asia excluding China with 152. China accounts for 19 cases, Africa 3, and Australia 1.

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