Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lowers Travel Alert for Entire Hubei Province, China After 7 Months

Downgraded to the same 'Special Travel Advisory' as other regions at Level 3
Withdrawal Recommended for Azerbaijan-Armenia Border Area

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 10th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lowered the travel alert for the entire Hubei Province in China from Level 3 (recommendation to evacuate) to a "Special Travel Advisory," the same as other regions in China, after about seven months. On the other hand, the travel alert for the Azerbaijan-Armenia border area was raised to Level 3. The Special Travel Advisory corresponds to a travel alert between Level 2 (travel caution) and Level 3.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' decision to downgrade the travel alert for Hubei Province reflects that the COVID-19 infection situation in Hubei is being stably managed at the level of other regions in China, and considering that Korean nationals such as self-employed individuals and international students residing locally wish to return. The Level 3 travel alert for Hubei Province was issued on January 25.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested, "Korean nationals returning to Hubei Province should pay special attention to personal safety by thoroughly following hygiene rules, refraining from participating in large events and going out or traveling, minimizing contact with others, and practicing social distancing to avoid exposure to COVID-19 infection locally. Unnecessary travel should be canceled or postponed as before."

On the other hand, the upgrade of the travel alert for the Azerbaijan-Armenia border area was made considering the recent deterioration of safety in the border area due to armed clashes causing casualties between Azerbaijan and Armenia near the border.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Korean nationals planning to travel to the Azerbaijan-Armenia border area are advised to cancel or postpone their trips, and those currently staying in the Azerbaijan-Armenia border area should evacuate unless it is for urgent matters."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely monitor international health situations and local conditions and review the need for further adjustments to travel alerts.