S. Korea will take additional measures following entry ban on foreigners from Hubei, says PM
SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will take additional measures to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, if needed, after checking the situation not only in China's Hubei province but also in other areas, the prime minister said Wednesday.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's remarks apparently signal that the government could weigh the possibility for expanding its entry ban on foreigners who came from or through the ground-zero Chinese province in the past 14 days.
"The government will take necessary measures by thoroughly checking (the situation) not only in China's Hubei Province but also in its surrounding areas," Chung said at a meeting on the virus among presidential, government and ruling party officials.
"If necessary, the government will support conducting (coronavirus) tests for those who do not travel from China," he added.
To step up quarantine efforts, South Korea began barring foreigners Tuesday who visited or traveled through the Hubei province in the past two weeks. Wuhan, known as the epicenter of the outbreak, is located in the province.
South Korea has reported 16 confirmed cases, of which two patients were infected with the virus after visiting Japan and Thailand.
Concerns about the fast spread of the virus are deepening as China has reported at least 490 confirmed deaths and more than 23,500 infected people.
"The government will thoroughly prepare for the possibility that the virus further spreads and the situation is drawn out," Chung said.
The prime minister added that the government will draw up measures to support exporters, the tourism sector and small merchants to help minimize negative impacts from the outbreak on the economy.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Ateez to drop new Japanese EP next week
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(2nd LD) BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award
-
Crypto investor probed over allegedly visiting house of Terraform's CEO
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea still unresponsive to S. Korea's outreach for talks on COVID-19: official
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(LEAD) Yoon, PPP lawmakers travel to Gwangju en masse to commemorate 1980 democracy uprising
-
S. Korea to send condolence delegation to UAE over death of president
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(LEAD) Biden set to arrive in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
(4th LD) Yoon, Biden tour Samsung chip plant ahead of summit
-
(3rd LD) Biden arrives in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
First lady Kim to greet Biden before state dinner
-
N. Korea to hold state funeral for military official known for ties with Kim Jong-un
-
(4th LD) S-Oil CEO apologizes over Ulsan refinery blast