On the afternoon of the 11th, officials were conducting disinfection work related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at Sindorim Station in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] A renowned American infectious disease researcher praised South Korea's COVID-19 quarantine system.
On the 13th, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, appeared on TBS Radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" and said, "The Korean government and quarantine authorities have taken very strong measures, and it seems to be progressing successfully," adding, "I believe that many lessons learned from Korea, when shared with other countries, can greatly benefit them."
He continued, "Korea is accurately identifying who is infected among a large number of people and precisely tracing these individuals," and said, "In the United States, such large-scale testing is not being conducted, so I think this is one of the important points we should learn from Korea."
Regarding 'transparency in information disclosure,' he explained, "When honest, transparent, and accurate information is delivered from quarantine authorities to the public, this becomes the foundation and basis for building trust," adding, "Such transparency and trust are fundamental to gaining public cooperation."
Regarding the fact that China and Italy imposed movement restrictions within their countries, while Korea did not impose a blockade on the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, he called it "the most impressive part."
Dr. William said, "I am deeply moved by how such a successful open system operates," and added, "It makes me wonder if there is some unknown secret in our world."
He also said, "I applaud how excellently the Korean government has conducted quarantine efforts so far and how it is leaving a good precedent for the world."
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