Jeonnam Province Mandates COVID Testing for Foreign Employment Sites and Vessels Before Departure

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 1st that it has issued an administrative order mandating COVID-19 diagnostic testing for foreign-employed workplaces, nearshore fishing vessels before departure, and both foreign and domestic workers.

This is a proactive response measure to prevent potential foreign cluster infections in Jeonnam, as recent nationwide cluster infections have been rapidly spreading mainly in foreign workplaces.

Nationwide, there were 16 foreign cluster infection cases in July, a sharp increase compared to just one case the previous month.

The infection sites occurred nationwide, including both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas such as Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Jeonbuk, and Daegu.

In Jeonnam as well, there have been infection cases among Wando fisheries workers, daily laborers in Naju, and foreign crew members in Mokpo.

In particular, regarding foreign crew members in Mokpo, Jeonnam Province proactively tested 561 foreigners, early detecting 8 confirmed cases, and through classification of close contacts and in-depth epidemiological investigations, prevented the occurrence of cluster infections in advance.

The province plans to strengthen quarantine measures related to foreigners to block cluster infections, including exempting unregistered foreigners from reporting their stay when undergoing diagnostic testing, and enhancing quarantine management of facilities and workplaces densely populated by foreigners.

Additionally, proactive diagnostic testing will be actively implemented by recommending testing for academies, private institutes, and indoor sports facilities.

Regarding vaccination, foreign workers, foreign students, instructors at academies and private institutes, and workers at sports facilities are included as autonomous vaccination targets by local governments and are receiving vaccinations.

Kang Young-gu, Director of the Jeonnam Provincial Health and Welfare Bureau, said, “Recently, foreign-related infection cases have surged nationwide,” and added, “We will prevent regional spread in advance through proactive and aggressive quarantine.”

He continued, “COVID-19 quarantine requires efforts from everyone regardless of nationality,” and urged, “We ask for active cooperation in conducting diagnostic tests, actively participating in vaccination, and complying with quarantine rules.”