Global Spread of 'COVID-19', "Overseas Koreans Should Also Prepare for Emergencies"

Urgent Protection for Overseas Koreans
Embassy of Korea in Iran: "Possibility of Escalation to a Serious Situation, Preparing for Contingencies Including Issuance of Exit Visas"
Embassy of Korea in Italy Also Provides Daily Updates on COVID-19 Situation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly spreads around the world, overseas diplomatic missions are actively responding by preparing for possible evacuations to protect Korean nationals abroad.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 28th, the Korean Embassy in Iran issued an emergency notice on the 27th (local time), stating that detailed information about infected individuals in Iran is not being disclosed, increasing the risk of secondary infections. The embassy urged restraint in outdoor activities and preparation for the anticipated severe situation. As of the afternoon of the 27th, Iran reported 245 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths, the second highest death toll after China.

The embassy in Iran stated, "Although the COVID-19 virus is rapidly spreading within Iran, detailed information such as the movement paths of infected individuals is not being disclosed, which poses a high risk of secondary infections and the possibility of the situation worsening significantly."

They also added a notice urging thorough preparation, such as carrying passports, in case a serious situation arises. The embassy explained, "Our government is doing its best to protect overseas nationals and plans to promptly provide specific action guidelines should a serious situation occur. We ask all overseas nationals to always keep essential items such as passports, cash, mobile phones and chargers, and important documents ready, and to prepare for possible emergencies including obtaining exit visas."

The embassy also advised preparing for the situation where flights to Iran from neighboring countries are being canceled one after another. The embassy said, "Some flights, including those from Russia, are still operating, but there is a high possibility of changes depending on the situation. Those considering air travel should pay close attention to related news and must confirm actual flight operations with the airline or travel agency before heading to the airport."

In Italy, which has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe, real-time notices for protecting overseas nationals are also being delivered. The Korean Embassy in Italy reported that as of 12:00 noon local time on the 27th, there were 528 confirmed cases in Italy, and advised, "Please refrain from visiting cities subject to the movement ban order effective from the 22nd, and if you reside in a city under the movement ban, or if you have been quarantined due to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms, or know someone in such a situation, please contact the Korean Embassy in Italy promptly."