"Mandatory PCR Testing for Entrants from China... Indoor Mask Mandate May Be Delayed"

Reflecting the Worsening COVID-19 Situation in China

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced on the 30th, "Until the end of February next year, COVID-19 testing will be mandatory before and after entering the country for those arriving from China." He mentioned that the lifting of indoor mask mandates may be delayed longer than expected.

Prime Minister Han stated this during his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, saying, "We are inevitably strengthening quarantine measures to prevent domestic spread due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in China." Accordingly, only those who test negative through a PCR test within 48 hours before entry or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours will be allowed to board domestic flights.

Regarding Chinese visas, Prime Minister Han also said, "First, until the end of next month, we will restrict the issuance of short-term visas except for diplomatic and official purposes, essential business, and humanitarian reasons." Additionally, he stated, "We will temporarily suspend additional flights from China and unify all flights arriving from China to Incheon Airport for efficient quarantine management of arrivals."

On the 30th, at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is delivering opening remarks on quarantine measures for arrivals from China. / Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

However, exceptional measures will be allowed for Korean nationals who need to enter the country urgently. Prime Minister Han announced that passengers arriving from China will be required to input information through the Q-Code system before boarding the aircraft.

Prime Minister Han emphasized, "Under the principle that the safety of the people is the top priority, all ministries and local governments must respond with vigilance and without any gaps."

He requested the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to fully mobilize personnel and equipment for quarantine and management of confirmed cases among arrivals, operate a daily inspection system, and ensure thorough quarantine management.

He also urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of National Defense to secure sufficient and prompt quarantine-related facilities and support personnel at Incheon Airport. To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said, "For the safety of overseas nationals, please provide detailed guidance on changes to entry systems and testing institutions in China through overseas diplomatic missions, and thoroughly explain these to the Chinese government."

Prime Minister Han stressed, "The government will thoroughly manage the COVID-19 situation and prepare to take stronger measures if the number of imported confirmed cases significantly increases or new variants emerge, worsening the situation." He added, "If the external situation leads to domestic transmission, we will listen carefully to expert opinions before deciding on the planned adjustment of indoor mask mandates, and there is a possibility that it may be delayed somewhat longer than expected."

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