#16,377
Yesterday South Korea reported a 60% jump in COVID cases over the previous day (see South Korea Sets New Record (n=5,123) For Daily COVID Cases), and shattering their previous record (4,067 set on Nov 26th) by more than 20%.
Today South Korea reports an even larger daily number (n=5,262), suggesting yesterday's jump was more than just a statistical fluke.
Although a handful of Omicron cases have been detected in South Korea, this current spike - which began in mid-October - is almost certainly driven by the Delta variant.
Faced with dual COVID threats, South Korea further tightened their travel restrictions overnight (see below) and announced that the 3rd (booster) vaccination is absolutely necessary to prevent COVID-19 (12.2., regular briefing).
For the next two weeks (at least), even vaccinated travelers arriving in South Korea will be required to quarantine for 10 days.
(translated)
Guidance on strengthening quarantine related to Omicron mutated virus
Date Created :2021-12-02
Department in charge: National Gimhae Airport Quarantine Office (Head Office)
◆ Domestic and foreign nationals who do not have PCR negative confirmation (including non-conformity) are restricted from boarding the aircraft
* However, if it is confirmed that the PCR negative confirmation certificate is not suitable after entering the country, 5 days of facility quarantine for Koreans (own expense) + 5 days of self-quarantine, foreigners are denied entry※ For exceptions to the submission of the PCR negative confirmation, refer to the 'PCR negative confirmation submission FAQ' in the Notice of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
◆ Reinforcement of quarantine measures in countries where Omicron mutation is endemic, diagnostic tests for new arrivals in Africa, etc. ('21.11.28.~) - Nine countries* including omicron mutation, short-term foreign nationals are not allowed to enter (from Feb. 2, 2) * South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria
◆ Countries exempted from quarantine for those who have completed vaccination -> Designated as 'all countries/regions' temporarily (2 weeks) ('21.12.3~12.17.) - Compulsory quarantine for 10 days even for those who have been vaccinated
* Those entering Korea after completing vaccination in Korea (14 days after vaccination) must move to their home, etc. It is 'recommended' to use your own car or a quarantine taxi, and you must 'return immediately' without visiting other places when returning home.※ Measures such as target countries and entry denials related to Omicron mutation are subject to change (re-information in case of change) Attachment (based on 211203)_Overseas entrants_Quarantine management_flow chart (airport_for arrivals) 1 copy. end.
Attachments :
★_211203_overseas entrants_ quarantine management_flow chart (airport_for arrivals).hwp
