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The fear of the new mutant virus Omicron of Corona 19 has swept across the world, including Africa and Europe, as well as Asia. So far, 12 countries, including South Africa, Botswana, the UK, Germany, and Hong Kong, have officially confirmed the infection of Omicron. Countries around the world are in an emergency by raising travel alerts to the highest level in eight African countries, including South Africa, and strengthening entry restrictions. Omicron, which is known to be at least twice as contagious as the existing delta mutation, is raising concerns as it may also reduce the immune protection function of the vaccine. It is expected that it will take two to three weeks before we can analyze just how dangerous this new mutation is. Border closures around the world are likely to increase further.
The Korean government has been blocking the entry of foreigners from 8 countries in South Africa adjacent to the Omicron outbreak since 00:00 yesterday (28th). We are also considering expanding the number of countries with entry restrictions. President Moon Jae-in presides over a special quarantine inspection meeting today and the government announces measures to strengthen quarantine. Since the gradual recovery of daily life has begun, the number of new confirmed cases is expected to reach the mid-3,000s as of 00:00 today.
Reporter Park Ji-yoon reports.
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The Central Quarantine Countermeasures Headquarters said that it is considering ways to expand the number of countries with entry restrictions by identifying the degree of risk and spread of Omicron.
Earlier, last weekend, the quarantine authorities designated eight South African countries, including South Africa and Botswana, as countries with enhanced quarantine measures, countries at risk, and countries exempt from quarantine.
Foreigners from these eight countries are prohibited from entering the country even if they pass through other airports.
Koreans arriving from eight countries will be quarantined in temporary living facilities for ten days.
Even if you have been vaccinated.
No confirmed cases of Omicron have been confirmed in Korea yet.
The current PCR test can only detect four types of mutations such as delta, so the government decided to develop a PCR test that can detect microns as well.
President Moon Jae-in today decided to preside over a special quarantine inspection meeting for the first time in four months.
After this meeting, the government will announce the comprehensive quarantine measures.
It is known that the emergency plan to suspend daily recovery is not considered, but instead, a plan to encourage additional vaccination by introducing an expiration date to the quarantine pass is being discussed.
In addition, as one of the measures to secure beds, it is expected that the expansion of home treatment will be proposed.
As of 9 p.m. last night, the number of new confirmed cases nationwide was 2,776, 300 more than a week ago.
As of 00:00 today, it is expected to record in the mid-3,000s.
(Video design: Seongwoon Huh)
