"Strengthened Quarantine for Arrivals from China May End This Month... Need to Prepare for Gradual Return to Normal Life"

Jeong Gi-seok, Head of the COVID-19 Special Response Team and Chair of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] As the COVID-19 pandemic enters a clear decline, experts have suggested that enhanced quarantine measures for arrivals from China could be lifted within this month. They also emphasized the need to prepare for a phased transition to a routine management system and to increase vaccination rates among high-risk groups.

The National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee announced on the 20th that it conveyed these opinions to the quarantine authorities during an advisory meeting held on the 15th. The meeting discussed ▲ risk assessment of the situation in China and quarantine measures ▲ weekly COVID-19 risk assessment and future response directions ▲ vaccination status and strategies to increase vaccination rates among those aged 60 and above.

Chairman Jeong Gi-seok stated, "Recently, the COVID-19 situation in China has declined after peaking and currently appears to be stabilizing to some extent, while the domestic COVID-19 situation remains at a manageable level," adding, "However, the vaccination rate for the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which can prevent infections among high-risk groups such as the elderly aged 60 and above, remains low. It is necessary for high-risk groups to actively receive the updated vaccine."

The advisory committee assessed that it is now possible to adjust the preemptive enhanced quarantine measures for arrivals from China. The majority opinion was that the unified operation of flights from China to Incheon International Airport and the mandatory testing before and after entry could end in February. However, some opinions suggested extending the pre-entry testing obligation to allow for additional monitoring due to various situations within China.

Furthermore, considering the global decline in COVID-19 cases, the easing of quarantine measures in major countries, and social demands for a return to normal life, the committee recommended that the government prepare step-by-step for a stable management of the pandemic while transitioning to a routine management system. They also emphasized the importance of multifaceted review and discussion to ensure that protection of high-risk groups is not compromised even as quarantine measures are eased.

The advisory committee also urged continuous efforts to increase vaccination rates among high-risk groups such as the elderly aged 60 and above. Chairman Jeong said, "Although the world has not yet completely escaped the COVID-19 crisis, given the current stable domestic situation and sufficient response capabilities, it is time to discuss preparations for the public’s return to normal life while closely monitoring the emergence of new variants overseas." He added, "The advisory committee will fulfill its role to maintain an appropriate balance between quarantine and daily life and to ensure the COVID-19 pandemic concludes in a stable manner."

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