"Trapped in a Small, Dark Room in Korea" Photos Released by Government Amid Chinese Rumors

Government Refutes Discrimination Against Quarantine of Confirmed Cases in China
Temporary Quarantine Facilities Equivalent to or Better Than Hotels... "Better Than Tourist Hotels"
Thorough Provision of Lunch Boxes and Medicines

In response to claims from some quarters in China that the government is treating Chinese nationals unfairly amid strengthened quarantine measures for arrivals from China, health authorities have actively refuted these assertions.

On the 11th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare explained at a briefing by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) that the temporary quarantine facilities for short-term foreign visitors in Korea are "rooms equivalent to or better than the tourist hotel level usually used by Chinese tourists."

According to the Ministry, the hotels used as temporary quarantine facilities have clean beds and bathrooms, and provide hot water as a standard. These facilities are used not only by Chinese tourists but also by Koreans.

The Ministry added, "To prevent COVID-19 infection and for meals, a professional lunchbox company delivers different menus to the rooms daily," and also shared related photos, stating, "If medication is needed, prepared fever reducers, cold medicine, disinfectants, and other supplies are provided."

Interior view of a room in a temporary quarantine facility for short-term foreign visitors / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, since the 2nd, the government has strengthened quarantine measures by mandating COVID-19 testing before and after entry for arrivals from China. As a result, both Korean and foreign nationals departing from China must undergo two COVID-19 tests regardless of nationality.

However, some voices in China claimed that the Korean government isolated Chinese nationals in poor facilities. The Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper People's Daily affiliate, Global Times, cited domestic netizens in an editorial, stating that "Korean quarantine measures target Chinese people," and that "despite paying fees, there are no beds or hot water in the quarantine facilities."

These claims have been confirmed to be false. Currently, health authorities require short-term foreign visitors who test positive for COVID-19 to stay in temporary quarantine facilities. Short-term foreign visitors include not only Chinese nationals but also other nationalities departing from China. However, those who have a guardian in Korea and whose guardian guarantees them may undergo home quarantine.

Meanwhile, the government has established quarantine facilities for short-term foreign visitors near Incheon International Airport. The quarantine facilities consist of three hotels with a maximum capacity of 205 people. As of the 10th, 86 people were staying there, and 32 had completed their 7-day quarantine and been discharged. The costs are borne by the individuals themselves.