Government Extends Suspension of Flights from the UK for Additional Two Weeks Until the 21st

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] The government has decided to extend the suspension of flights originating from the United Kingdom until the 21st. This measure aims to block the domestic influx of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) variant.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced on the 6th, "The suspension of flights from the UK will be extended for two weeks until January 21."

Earlier, when the variant virus emerged in the UK, the government temporarily suspended flights departing from London Heathrow Airport to Incheon International Airport from December 23 to 31 last year. This suspension was extended once more until the 7th.

Variant viruses with higher transmissibility than the existing virus are spreading mainly in the UK and South Africa. Since last month, the quarantine authorities have lowered the fever threshold applied during entry screening from 37.5 degrees to 37.3 degrees Celsius. All overseas arrivals are required to undergo two diagnostic tests: one within three days after entry and another before release from quarantine.

Arrivals from the UK and South Africa are also required to submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificate. The mandatory submission of negative test certificates will be expanded to all foreigners entering through airports starting from the 8th and through seaports starting from the 15th.

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