"17 Close Contacts of UK-Origin Variant Virus Confirmed... All 'Negative'" (Update)

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Among the 17 close contacts identified of confirmed COVID-19 patients infected with the variant virus originating from the UK, all close contacts tested negative in diagnostic tests.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 29th, the 17 close contacts of the three family members who were confirmed to be infected with the UK variant virus the previous day were all identified as in-flight contacts. There were 12 crew members and 5 passengers. All of them tested negative and are currently self-quarantining while monitoring symptoms.

The health authorities conducted an epidemiological investigation considering the possibility of transmission on the plane after the three confirmed UK variant cases tested positive upon arrival from the UK on the 22nd.

Kwon Jun-wook, the second deputy director of the CDCH, said, "Other than the close contacts, the remaining individuals are currently in self-quarantine, and additional tests will be conducted before release from quarantine, after which further results will be explained." At that time, a total of 74 people were on the same flight as the infected family, including 62 passengers and 12 crew members.

Currently, the health authorities are implementing measures to block the domestic inflow of the variant virus, including strengthening fever screening criteria, expanding diagnostic testing before quarantine release, temporarily suspending UK-origin flights until January 7 next year, mandating submission of negative PCR test certificates, and restricting visa issuance.

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