UK-Origin Variant Entering Korea... All Arrivals to Undergo 'Pre-Quarantine Release Testing' (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As a new variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) originating from the UK has been detected for the first time in South Korea, the government has decided to implement 'pre-quarantine release diagnostic testing' for all incoming travelers.

On the 28th, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, said in an online briefing, "Except for countries where COVID-19 cases are almost non-existent, we are considering additional measures to conduct tests before quarantine release for most countries to prevent community transmission."

While the Japanese government has taken strong measures such as banning foreign nationals from entering to respond to the variant virus, the South Korean government has decided to strengthen existing entry controls considering confirmed cases among nationals.

Son Young-rae, head of the CDSCH strategic planning team, explained, "It is not only foreigners who are a concern, but also nationals entering from the affected countries. For arrivals from the UK, regardless of nationality, quarantine exemption is not granted, and a 'double-check' system is in place with one test upon entry (self-quarantine) and another before release to ensure strict management."

The variant virus first identified in the UK in September is reported to have about 70% higher transmissibility than the existing virus. Since the 23rd, the government has suspended flights departing from London Heathrow Airport to Incheon International Airport.

With the discovery of a new variant virus in the Republic of South Africa, the government has also decided to strengthen fever checks upon entry for travelers from South Africa and conduct additional tests before quarantine release.

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