[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) imported from overseas has increased recently, the government has decided to expand the countries subject to strengthened quarantine measures from the existing 4 countries to 6 countries starting from the 20th.
Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, announced this at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 15th.
Since the 23rd of last month, the government has designated countries subject to strengthened quarantine measures based on COVID-19 infection risk assessments and has implemented measures such as visa and flight restrictions.
All foreigners entering from countries subject to strengthened quarantine measures must mandatorily present and submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificate (issued within 48 hours from the departure date) when issuing flight tickets and upon entry. In addition, the seat occupancy rate of regular flights coming from countries subject to strengthened quarantine measures will operate at 60% or less, and irregular flights will be temporarily suspended.
The same measures applied to the existing countries subject to strengthened quarantine will also apply to the newly designated countries. Son explained the background for expanding the countries subject to strengthened quarantine, saying, "Recently, cases have been found where individuals tested positive during the entry process despite presenting a negative PCR test certificate from countries subject to strengthened quarantine."
Entry procedures and quarantine measures for foreign crew members entering by aircraft will also be strengthened starting from the 24th.
Previously, crew members entering by air for crew changes on vessels such as deep-sea fishing boats and oil tankers were allowed visa-free entry. However, visa-free entry for crew members has been temporarily suspended, and entry is only allowed after obtaining a visa for the purpose of crew change. Presenting and submitting a PCR negative certificate (issued within 48 hours from the departure date) when issuing flight tickets and upon entry will also be mandatory.
Son stated, "This practically applies to almost all crew members entering the country for the purpose of crew change," and added, "It will apply to all countries except the 21 countries with visa exemption agreements and visa-free agreements."
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