One Passenger on Flight with Suspected Omicron Couple Tests Positive... 8 Residents of Apartment Complex Tested (Comprehensive)

On the 30th, amid ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant, overseas arrivals are waiting at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As of 9 p.m. on the 1st, the variant confirmation test for a couple in their 40s residing in Incheon, suspected of having the Omicron variant after entering from Nigeria, is expected to be released. Meanwhile, one of the passengers on the same flight as the couple has tested positive for COVID-19.

The couple used a flight that departed from Nigeria on the 23rd of last month, transited through Ethiopia, and arrived at Incheon Airport on the afternoon of the 24th. Among the passengers on the same flight, 45 entered the country.

Park Young-jun, head of the epidemiological investigation team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated, "So far, one out of the 45 passengers has been confirmed positive for COVID-19," adding, "This individual visited Chad, and based on seat arrangements, it is unlikely they had contact with the suspected couple, but the Omicron variant test is underway."

Park added, "Currently, it seems likely that the infection was caused by another source," and "There is no PCR test result or epidemiological evidence suggesting suspicion of the Omicron variant."

The Central Disease Control Headquarters is also conducting PCR tests on eight residents of the multi-family housing where the couple lives.

Park explained, "The eight individuals live together in the facility and have no confirmed contact history, so they cannot be classified as contacts, but PCR tests are being conducted proactively," adding, "Omicron analysis is not being performed on them."

On the 30th, amid ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant, overseas arrivals are receiving transportation guidance at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, the four confirmed domestic cases, including the couple suspected of having Omicron, have not shown any unusual symptoms so far.

Park said, "There are no notable symptoms," and "Although they are suspected cases, there are no unusual symptoms other than respiratory symptoms and muscle pain." He added, "Information on hospitalization factors has not been identified," and "They are currently at home, awaiting hospital bed allocation today."

The couple residing in Incheon, both in their 40s, visited Nigeria from the 14th to the 23rd of last month, returned on the 24th, and tested positive for COVID-19 on the 25th. Additionally, a male acquaintance in his 40s and a teenage cohabiting family son were confirmed positive.

When the variant analysis test on the male acquaintance suggested suspicion of the Omicron variant, authorities began conducting confirmation tests for the Omicron variant on the couple, the acquaintance, and the son. The results are expected after 9 p.m. today.

Park stated, "The male acquaintance in his 40s is unvaccinated, and epidemiological investigations are currently underway in Incheon," adding, "Among the two family contacts, one tested positive." Regarding the possibility of community transmission through the couple's teenage son, Park said, "It is presumed he did not attend school," and "Since he was unvaccinated, he was likely managed as a self-quarantine subject."

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