Surge in Overseas Influx... Government Says "Burden Exists but Manageable Level"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government recently stated that although the continuous increase in confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) imported from overseas "cannot be said to be without burden, it is at a level that can be sufficiently managed."

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine team, said this at a COVID-19 situation briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 14th.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, among the 33 new confirmed cases as of midnight that day, 19 were imported from overseas. The number of imported confirmed cases the previous day was 43, the highest in 110 days since March 25 (51 cases).

Looking at the past week, there were 178 imported cases, accounting for more than half of the total new cases (332). The number of people entering Korea from overseas has been around 4,000 per day since the beginning of this month, with a particularly large number of foreigners entering from Asian countries recently.

The government emphasized that since imported confirmed cases are detected under the control of quarantine authorities, the possibility of further transmission into the local community is low.

Son Young-rae, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' strategic planning team, said, "Imported confirmed cases are detected under the quarantine authorities' control during a two-week quarantine period," adding, "From the perspective that there is no possibility of secondary or higher transmission within the community that we do not know about, imported confirmed cases can be assessed as having a low risk."

Currently, all entrants are required to quarantine for two weeks. Foreigners without a domestic residence are quarantined in temporary living facilities, but with the increase in overseas arrivals, there are concerns about a shortage of facilities.

Yoon, head of the quarantine team, said, "We are currently operating eight temporary living facilities and will continue to expand them," adding, "When the temporary living facility quarantine measures started last April, there were few admissions, but recently, as the number of arrivals has increased, the available rooms are somewhat insufficient."

While announcing plans to expand facilities, he said, "We need to consider the sentiments of local residents and seek their cooperation," but also emphasized, "Temporary living facilities are being managed safely," asking for the cooperation of local residents.