(LEAD) More S. Korean workers return home from virus-hit Iraq
(ATTN: UPDATES 2nd para)
SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) -- Another group of South Korean workers returned home from virus-hit Iraq on Friday on a chartered plane, which may jack up imported cases here down the road, health authorities said.
The plane carrying 72 South Korean nationals who worked at Iraqi construction sites arrived at Incheon International Airport earlier in the day. Of the arrivals, 31 showed symptoms of the novel coronavirus, health authorities said.
South Korea last week airlifted 293 workers from Iraq on two military planes. Of them, 77 have tested positive for COVID-19.
The government decided to help South Korean nationals in Iraq following the worsening virus situation in the Middle East country. As of Friday, Iraq has reported 18,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with more than 4,600 deaths, according to World Health Organization data.
The workers returning home will have to stay at a temporary shelter for two weeks even if they test negative for the novel coronavirus. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be transported to hospitals or treatment centers.
Since February, the government has provided chartered evacuation flights to bring back citizens from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the pandemic, as well as Japan, Iran, Peru, Italy and Ethiopia.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
New Defense Minister Lee takes office, warns of 'stern' response to possible N.K. provocations
-
(LEAD) Yoon taps ex-deputy NSA for spy chief
-
Gov't to significantly increase international flights to meet travel demand
-
(2nd LD) BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award
-
(Yonhap Interview) Kiwoom Heroes' ace Eric Jokisch wants to make young sons proud
-
S. Korea to send condolence delegation to UAE over death of president
-
Yoon expresses hope for reopening of Seoul-Tokyo air route to bolster exchanges
-
(LEAD) N. Korea confirms first case of omicron variant of COVID-19: state media
-
Seoul's daily subway ridership hits pandemic-era high on eased restrictions
-
(5th LD) N.K. leader, wearing mask, chairs meeting on omicron outbreak
-
S. Korean volunteer fighter in Ukraine doesn't regret his action despite facing imprisonment at home
-
(LEAD) Crypto investor probed for alleged trespassing at Terraform CEO's home
-
S. Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team to perform in British air shows in July
-
Crypto investor probed over allegedly visiting house of Terraform's CEO
-
(2nd LD) S. Korea attempts to send message to North over aid; Pyongyang unresponsive: ministry