South Korea’s Central Epidemic Prevention and Response Department said on the 28th that variants of the novel coronavirus were detected from three people entering the UK. This is the first time that South Korea has reported confirming the import of COVID-19 mutant strains into China.
According to reports, the three people from the United Kingdom returned to South Korea from London, England, on the 22nd of this month.
In addition, a family of four who returned from the United Kingdom on the 8th of last month and the 13th of this month were also diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. The epidemic prevention department is sequencing the relevant samples whole genome to confirm whether they are infected with the mutant virus.
South Korea announces a one-week extension of the ban on British flights
On the 28th, the Central Epidemic Prevention and Response Headquarters of South Korea issued a policy on strengthening entry quarantine, announcing that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 mutant strains into the country, the ban on British flights will be extended by one week to January 7 next year.
In addition, entry from the United Kingdom and South Africa, regardless of nationality, including those who enter through third countries
must submit negative nucleic acid tests, and suspend the issuance of visas except in special circumstances such as diplomatic service and humanitarian affairs.
The South Korean government will also require all immigration personnel to be tested again before the end of the quarantine period.
