Health Authorities: "28% of New COVID-19 Cases Imported... 168 Cases in Last 2 Weeks" (Update)

On the 27th, when enhanced quarantine measures for arrivals from the United States began, passengers arriving on a flight from Los Angeles, USA, were exiting the gate at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport. People with suspected COVID-19 symptoms must undergo diagnostic testing, and asymptomatic individuals are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Among the 146 newly confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the 28th, 41 cases were related to overseas inflow, accounting for more than one-quarter of the total.

According to the domestic occurrence status compiled by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, 24 new cases were confirmed during the quarantine process on the previous day. The remaining 17 cases were identified through diagnostic tests after returning to their residences or local communities following entry into the country. The proportion of overseas inflow cases is 28.1%.

By nationality, Europe accounted for the highest number with 25 cases, followed by the Americas with 12 cases, and Thailand with 4 cases. The total number of confirmed overseas inflow COVID-19 cases has increased to 363 as of this day, with 168 cases confirmed at the quarantine stage within the last two weeks alone. The health authorities urged, "Arrivals from Europe or the United States should return home immediately after arriving at the airport and use private vehicles as much as possible," adding, "Masks must be worn during transit."

Furthermore, they emphasized, "Those arriving from regions other than Europe and the United States should also refrain from going out or going to work, stay at home for two weeks, minimize contact with others, and strictly follow personal hygiene rules such as thorough handwashing to prevent family infections."