Australia Designated as a Restricted Entry Country for Korea... Travel Ban Imposed on Daegu

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Australian government has designated South Korea as a banned entry country along with China and Iran to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to local media such as Australia's ABC, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on the 5th that South Korea has been designated as a banned entry country following China and Iran to curb the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, from 9 PM on the 4th, foreigners who have visited South Korea, China, or Iran within the past 14 days will be prohibited from entering Australia. Australian citizens and permanent residents can enter but will be quarantined for 14 days. This entry ban measure is scheduled to be in effect until the 14th, but the Australian government plans to decide on any extensions based on the COVID-19 spread situation.

Additionally, the Australian government has imposed the highest-level 'travel ban' on Daegu, where a large number of COVID-19 cases have been confirmed. It also warned its nationals to reconsider the necessity of traveling to South Korea. Regarding Italy, which has the second-highest number of deaths after China due to COVID-19, the government has only strengthened screening measures for travelers and has not imposed an entry ban. In this context, Prime Minister Morrison explained, "There are five times more Koreans visiting Australia than Italians, so the risk is greater."