[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The quarantine authorities emphasized that providing government funding for diagnostic tests and treatment costs for confirmed cases among foreigners entering the country is not wasteful because it serves the public interest of protecting our citizens from harm.
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters for COVID-19, stated at a regular briefing on the afternoon of the 23rd, "Since the purpose is to protect our citizens from infectious diseases and to block transmission, (foreigners) are subjected to mandatory quarantine and treatment, so we believe budget support through government funds or health insurance is necessary."
Jung emphasized, "If even one infected person enters the country, domestic residents could suffer harm from secondary and tertiary transmissions caused by this individual," adding, "Early testing also aims to block such transmissions, so we do not consider supporting these costs wasteful." She further added, "Under the Quarantine Act, there is a legal basis to conduct quarantine investigations or tests on individuals suspected of infectious diseases."
The government has mandated diagnostic testing for all arrivals from Europe, where COVID-19 has spread, starting from midnight on the 22nd. According to the quarantine authorities, on the first day of implementation, 1,324 people entered the country via six flights from Europe, of whom 1,221 were domestic residents and 103 were foreigners. Including those who boarded in Europe initially, a total of 1,442 people arrived, with 152 showing symptoms. Among 1,290 asymptomatic individuals, six received negative test results by 7 p.m. the previous day and were sent home, while the results for the rest are being compiled.
According to the quarantine authorities, since asymptomatic individuals do not produce sputum, testing mainly involves upper respiratory tract specimens, and the cost of tests conducted in public sectors such as health centers is approximately 70,000 KRW per test.
Regarding living expense support for quarantined foreigners, Jung said, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters has not yet decided on specific guidelines," adding, "If a decision is made on this matter, we plan to provide a separate explanation."
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