Government: Variant Virus Status of Deceased After Entry from UK to Be Confirmed Within Two Weeks at the Earliest

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] After a family member who recently arrived from the United Kingdom died and was confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government decided to verify whether the infection was caused by a variant virus through specimen analysis.

On the 27th, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, stated at the regular briefing of the CDSCH, "Regarding the variant virus, genome analysis takes time," adding, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to confirm the presence of variants through whole genome sequencing (WGS) within this week if possible. Since a confirmed case occurred within the family, we will conduct whole genome sequencing in the same manner and announce the results."

The presence of a variant virus is confirmed by comparing and analyzing the entire nucleotide sequence of the virus through whole genome sequencing.

Currently, the government has temporarily suspended flights from the UK and halted the issuance of quarantine exemption certificates related to the UK variant virus. All arrivals from the UK are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine without exception, and an additional diagnostic test is conducted before quarantine release.

In particular, genetic analysis is planned for confirmed cases arriving from the UK and South Africa, where variant viruses have emerged.

Yoon said, "Discussions are ongoing among relevant ministries regarding additional measures for overseas arrivals," and added, "We will provide separate guidance once the consultations are completed."

Regarding inquiries about the possibility of variant viruses among confirmed cases who arrived from the UK so far, he stated, "If variant viruses had been confirmed domestically, we would have immediately informed the public," and added, "Since there have been no such results yet, no announcements have been made."

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