"Global COVID-19 Resurgence... Overseas Influx Increase Inevitable"

Workers dispatched to Iraq who were urgently transported due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are entering through Incheon International Airport on the 24th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government has forecasted that an increase in confirmed cases imported from overseas is inevitable as the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is resurging worldwide.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, stated at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 3rd, "Globally, the number of COVID-19 patients has surpassed 18 million, and the pandemic continues. In Asian regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam, where the spread was previously considered somewhat contained, confirmed cases are rapidly increasing again."

Over the past two weeks, the daily average number of imported cases has been 27.7, similar to 27.3 in the previous two weeks. However, Yoon emphasized, "All overseas arrivals are required to undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine and diagnostic testing, so the risk of community transmission is very low."

The government has designated six countries as targets for strengthened quarantine measures to block imported cases, restricting visa issuance and flight operations, and requiring submission of negative test results upon entry.

Starting today, crew members of vessels departing from the countries under strengthened quarantine measures and Russia are required to submit a ‘PCR negative certificate,’ further strengthening quarantine management for crew members and foreign workers.

Yoon said, "The government is creating a management system that thoroughly controls and lowers the risk of imported cases through multifaceted measures." He added, "Temporary living facilities are an important stronghold to prevent the community spread of infections imported from overseas. We once again ask for the understanding and cooperation of local residents in areas where these temporary living facilities are established for the safety of all of us."

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