"Confirmed Cases Among Crew Change Entrants Surge to Double Digits" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been revealed that there have been multiple cases of confirmed COVID-19 infections among individuals entering the country for the purpose of crew changes since last month.

Yoon Tae-ho, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' Quarantine General Team, stated this during a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 13th.

The number of confirmed cases among entrants for crew changes was in the single digits with 1 case in April and 4 cases in May, but surged to 24 cases last month, followed by 15 cases from the 1st to the 9th of this month.

Accordingly, the government has mandated that all foreign crew members entering through ports must undergo a 14-day mandatory facility quarantine at temporary living facilities starting today. However, if their departure schedule via aircraft or ship is confirmed and they move directly to the airport or port without any external contact using a separate vehicle, early release from quarantine is permitted.

Additionally, starting today, two regions with secured temporary living facilities (Busan and Yeosu) will be opened first, with plans to open additional facilities as more become available.

Head Yoon said, "The government will carefully monitor the status of confirmed cases overseas and the number of imported cases, regularly conduct risk assessments, and take necessary measures in a timely manner."