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| The photo shows foreign immigrants leaving the airport at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on the afternoon of the 7th. 2021.2.7/News1 © News1 Reporter Lee Jae-myeong |
Three cases (persons) of a new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) mutant virus originating from overseas were found during the entry quarantine stage. There were no additional cases of mutant infection in the contact investigation, but two people were confirmed during the investigation of passengers in the same aircraft, and the mutant test is in progress.
Chung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Defense Response Headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a regular briefing on Corona 19 on the 8th, “As a result of analysis after February 3, 3 out of 12 cases of overseas inflow were confirmed to have mutated viruses.” “He said.
An additionally identified mutant virus is a mutant strain found in the UK. The three infected with the British mutant originated from Hungary, Poland and Ghana, respectively, and entered the country. It has been confirmed that there is no further infection in the domestic community due to these.
However, the possibility of transmission of the infection in the plane remains. Two of the passengers who boarded the seats close to the same aircraft as the confirmed mutants were confirmed. The quarantine authorities decided to further analyze the samples of these two confirmed cases to check for mutations.
“The number of countries with mutant virus confirmed worldwide is on the rise,” said Jung. “There are 54 cases of mutant virus confirmed in Korea, which are related to foreign inflow, and there is a risk of transmission to the local community.”
Accordingly, quarantine has been strengthened for all African immigrants, such as checking the PCR test at temporary living facilities after entering the country and switching to self-isolation if negative. The subject of inspection has expanded from foreigners to Koreans.
In addition, the entry quarantine of quarantine exemptions will be strengthened. In the future, for those exempted from quarantine, it is mandatory to submit a negative PCR confirmation upon entry, and additional PCR tests must be performed between 5 and 7 days after entry.
“There is a concern that the mutant virus will spread to the local community through the spread of family members during self-isolation,” said Jung. “I would like to repeatedly request that those who have entered the country must follow the rules of self-isolation.” .
Meanwhile, a total of 54 mutant viruses were confirmed in Korea as of 0 o’clock on February 8 after October. Depending on the type of mutation, there are 40 cases in the UK, 9 cases in South Africa, and 5 cases in Brazil.