Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 21 Korean Tourists Quarantined in Hainan, China

Medical personnel from Henan Province dispatched to Sanya, Hainan Province, China, where lockdown measures were imposed due to the spread of COVID-19, are collecting specimens from local residents for nucleic acid testing on the 11th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] As of the 16th, it has been confirmed that 21 Korean tourists are quarantined in Hainan Province, China, where a lockdown order was issued due to the spread of COVID-19.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters, "As of 7 a.m. on the 16th, among our nationals visiting the area for travel, 18 are quarantined at accommodations in Sanya City, Hainan Province, and 3 are quarantined in Haikou City, Hainan Province." He added, "Forty-four people left Hainan Province after the lockdown and have already returned to their residences within China."

The Hainan authorities have completely restricted movement within and outside Sanya City since the 6th and expanded the lockdown area to Haikou City. However, starting from the 10th, residents are only allowed to return to their homes if they receive two negative results from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests within 48 hours.

The official said, "The Consulate General in Guangzhou, which has jurisdiction over Hainan Province, is maintaining communication with local authorities to ensure that the 21 people in quarantine can quickly return to their residences," and added, "Consular assistance for smooth repatriation will continue."

Sanya, located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Province, is a representative resort city in China. Haikou is famous as the venue for the Boao Forum, known as the 'Asian Davos Forum.'