UK Considers Quarantine Exemption for 'Yellow Zone' Arrivals Vaccinated Against COVID-19

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The UK is considering exempting vaccinated travelers arriving from so-called 'yellow countries' from quarantine.

On the 22nd (local time), UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that they are reviewing a plan to replace the 10-day quarantine with daily testing for those who have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and are arriving from 'yellow countries.' He stated through local media that although he has not received medical advice on this, the plan is under consideration.

The UK currently designates multiple countries, including Korea, as 'yellow countries' and mandates a 10-day quarantine for arrivals from these countries. Regarding reports by The Times that quarantine will be waived for those fully vaccinated starting in August, Hancock responded, "When the time is right (to exempt quarantine), we plan to do so."

Furthermore, despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, Hancock expressed an optimistic outlook regarding the lifting of lockdown measures on the 17th of next month. He believes the rise in cases is slowing down and the number of deaths remains very low.

On the 21st, the UK reported 10,633 new confirmed cases. Hospitalizations were 226, and deaths were 5. Vaccination rates show that 82% of adults have received the first dose, and 60% have completed the second dose.

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