Rapid Spread of 'Wuhan Pneumonia', Charter Flights to Evacuate Overseas Koreans May Be Deployed as Early as the 30th

Application for charter flight boarding through the website of the Korean Consulate General in Wuhan
Government to hold a meeting of relevant ministers on COVID-19 response on the afternoon of the 28th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan Pneumonia' rapidly spreads in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, the South Korean government plans to deploy a chartered flight as early as the 30th to evacuate its nationals abroad.

According to the government on the 28th, related ministries including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport have been jointly reviewing measures to ensure the safety of Koreans remaining in Wuhan and have been focusing discussions on deploying a chartered flight to evacuate an estimated 500 to 600 Koreans. The government is scheduled to hold a meeting of ministers responsible for responding to the novel coronavirus infection in the afternoon to decide on related measures.

On the 27th, President Moon held a 'Wuhan Pneumonia' countermeasure meeting with senior secretaries at the Blue House during lunch, emphasizing that "preemptive measures must be taken to prepare for worsening through secondary infections," and ordered a thorough investigation of people entering from the Wuhan area in China. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also visited Seoul Boramae Hospital to inspect the response site for the novel coronavirus infection, stressing that "the situation is being taken very seriously, and efforts to block the spread of infection are most important."

Accordingly, the Korean Consulate General in Wuhan accepted applications via email for boarding the chartered flight from Korean nationals until 11:55 p.m. on the 27th through its website. Those with suspected symptoms such as a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher, vomiting, coughing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, including Chinese nationals, are not allowed to board the chartered flight.

The Consulate General announced, "The final passenger list will be posted on the website and the Korean community WeChat group on the 28th," adding, "The deployment of the chartered flight is planned for the 30th or 31st but may change depending on consultations with China." It is reported that over 500 Korean nationals have expressed their intention to board in the consulate's demand survey.

Those who return on the chartered flight must stay at government-designated facilities for 14 days from the day of return, considering the incubation period. A government official explained, "We are in consultation with Chinese authorities," adding, "We need to strengthen the domestic quarantine system in preparation for the return of overseas nationals."

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the travel advisory for the entire Hubei Province, including Wuhan City, to Level 3 'Recommendation to Evacuate' starting from the 25th. The travel advisory system consists of four levels: Blue Alert (Travel Caution) - Yellow Alert (Travel Restriction) - Red Alert (Recommendation to Evacuate) - Black Alert (Travel Ban).

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Public transportation in Wuhan City and surrounding areas is completely restricted, and rapid spread is observed with confirmed cases among our nationals domestically," adding, "The World Health Organization (WHO) also assesses the novel coronavirus as highly transmissible, making thorough preparation to prevent virus infection necessary at this time."

He further added, "If you are staying in Hubei Province, China, please evacuate unless it is an emergency, and if you plan to travel to the area, please cancel or postpone your trip."