[Reemergence Prevention Measures②] Maintaining 7-Day Isolation Requirement for Confirmed Cases... PCR Testing at Public Health Centers Limited to High-Risk Groups

Confirmed by RAT at hospitals and clinics... Rapid linkage to testing and treatment
Consideration of reopening temporary screening clinics if the outbreak expands

Since March 14, when a positive result from a professional rapid antigen test (RAT) leads to a confirmed diagnosis without a separate PCR test, a clinic in Seoul has been crowded with visitors seeking COVID-19 rapid antigen testing. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

As the resurgence of COVID-19 approaches, the 7-day isolation requirement for confirmed cases will continue for the time being. The method of recognizing expert-use rapid antigen test (RAT) results for COVID-19 confirmation will also be maintained.

On the 13th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting, "The mandatory 7-day isolation will be maintained, but at this stage, mandatory social distancing measures will not be implemented. However, if there is a significant change in the epidemic situation, we will consider introducing selective and phased social distancing measures."

Earlier, as the Omicron wave entered a calming phase, the government announced the entry into a 'stable recovery phase' including the lifting of isolation requirements for confirmed cases in April. After a 4-week transition period, the government initially planned to lift the isolation requirement from May 23, but extended it by another 4 weeks due to concerns that it was somewhat premature. In mid-last month, the isolation requirement was extended again by 4 weeks due to a high possibility of resurgence this fall. The health authorities had stated that they would decide on lifting the isolation requirement based on six indicators: number of deaths, fatality rate, epidemic forecasts, excess mortality, variant viruses, and healthcare system response capacity. However, as the spread of the epidemic has become more pronounced, these indicators have worsened.

The current expert-use rapid antigen test (RAT) method for COVID-19 diagnosis will continue to be used. However, free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at public health centers will continue to be available only for high-risk groups. Temporary screening clinics nationwide, which were suspended last month due to a decrease in confirmed cases, are being considered for re-expansion if the epidemic spreads further.

For overseas arrivals, previously PCR testing was required within 3 days after entry, but now PCR testing must be conducted on day 1. Home quarantine is recommended until a negative result is confirmed. Additionally, a function has been introduced for arrivals to self-register their test results in the quarantine information pre-entry system (Q-code), strengthening public health center management of overseas arrivals. Currently, there are three COVID-19 testing centers at Incheon International Airport and one at Gimhae Airport, with plans to expand operations to regional airports such as Jeju.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters stated, "To strengthen current entry management, we are monitoring variant viruses such as BA.5 imported from overseas. If the epidemic continues to spread, we are also considering limiting the current method?which accepts PCR tests within 48 hours and expert-use RAT negative certificates within 24 hours before entry?to PCR tests only."