Three Consecutive Days of Lunar New Year Holiday with 17,000 New COVID-19 Cases... What Are the Quarantine Rules After Returning Home?

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seonhee] Since the Lunar New Year holiday began, there have been over 17,000 new daily COVID-19 cases for three consecutive days. With the Omicron variant spreading rapidly, there are concerns that the number of confirmed cases could surge immediately after the holiday due to increased movement.

In response, the government has urged people to minimize travel during the Lunar New Year holiday. If gatherings with family or relatives are unavoidable, it is recommended to strictly follow basic quarantine rules such as wearing masks, and to visit testing centers if there is any suspicion of infection while traveling home. Temporary screening clinics have been set up at highway rest stops. Call centers and other services will operate normally during the holiday period.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on the 31st, 17,085 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the cumulative total to 845,709. The number of new daily cases has remained in the 17,000 range for three consecutive days since the start of the Lunar New Year holiday on the 29th. Considering that fewer tests were conducted during the holiday compared to weekdays, it is possible that the actual number of cases is higher.

There is also a possibility of a sharp increase in cases immediately after the holiday due to increased movement. The government has asked returning travelers to refrain from visiting crowded places right after the holiday. Even without symptoms, it is recommended to undergo selective diagnostic testing before returning to workplaces or other facilities.

From February 3, immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday, COVID-19 diagnostic tests will be available at designated local clinics and hospitals. Rapid antigen tests using self-test kits will be provided free of charge, and if positive, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test will be conducted. When using designated clinics or hospitals, a consultation fee of 5,000 KRW (for clinics) will be charged, but testing fees will be free.

If a positive diagnosis is confirmed at a designated clinic or hospital, patients can receive home treatment for COVID-19 at the same facility.

The government emphasized, "Please adhere to public health guidelines such as vaccination participation and mask-wearing," and urged, "Especially during this Lunar New Year holiday, please minimize travel such as visiting hometowns and traveling."

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