Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Raises Infection Risk Alert for Daegu and Cheongdo, Advises 'Avoid Visits'

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised the infectious disease risk alert for Daegu and Cheongdo County in Gyeongsangbuk-do, advising against visits.

On the 25th, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its website, "Since February 19, there has been a rapid increase in cases of (novel coronavirus) infectious disease in Daegu Metropolitan City and Cheongdo County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, with 607 cases confirmed as of the 24th," and stated, "The infectious disease risk information for these areas has been newly designated as 'Level 2.'"

Level 2 is a recommendation to refrain from visiting unless the visit is essential or urgent.

Japan has four levels for infectious disease risk alerts. Level 1 is a stage urging caution when visiting; Level 3 is a recommendation to suspend visits; Level 4 is a recommendation to evacuate.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently applies Level 2 to the entire territory of China. However, for Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province, and Wenzhou, where COVID-19 is severe, Level 3 is applied.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the Korean government has designated Daegu and Cheongdo as special management areas for infectious diseases and advised Japanese residents or visitors in those areas to "check the latest local information and take thorough precautions to prevent infection."