Rumors of isolation of Chinese infected people 'confined in a small space' : Korea

Recently, South Korea has stepped up its quarantine measures for people entering the country from China, and the Chinese government has taken retaliatory measures day after day, suspending the issuance of short-term visas and suspending visa exemptions for South Korean and Japanese nationals traveling through China.

On January 11th, the Chinese Communist Party-affiliated Global Times and the English-language version of the Global Times published a joint editorial, criticizing South Korea's restrictions, saying, "South Korea must rationally explain the exposure of Chinese tourists." The company's theory included claims by Chinese netizens that they were denied entry into the country and were isolated in a small, dark room in a poor environment without even a bed or hot water.

As the rumor spread, the Ministry of Health and Welfare responded to a reporter's question, "I want you to confirm the current status of the isolation facilities established by the government", and said, "Three hotels that can accommodate up to 205 people can be operated as isolation facilities", he countered.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare distributed a reference material that day and explained, "The rooms are also used by Korean citizens, and each room has a bed. It consists of a clean shower room that basically provides hot water."

The authorities deny that they are providing △ professional interpreters △ futons, towels, and personal items to be changed upon request △ safe medicines such as antipyretics, cold medicines, and antiseptics for the convenience of the Chinese nationals in isolation.

At a press conference this morning, Kim Joo-young, head of the medical resource support team at the COVID-19 Central Accident Control Headquarters, said that the rumors of South Korea's confinement and isolation spreading in China were "baseless allegations," and that "most of them were safe in hotels", "I'm living in isolation," he scoffed.

He added, "The three hotels are tourist hotel-class rooms or better than those usually used by Chinese tourists," and added, "All expenses will be borne by the person himself."

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as of January 10th, 86 people were in isolation at three hotels, and 32 people were discharged after a week of isolation. Those subject to quarantine are short-term visitors from China who have tested positive for PCR tests at Incheon Airport.

On the other hand, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin said that China's complete suspension of short-term visa issuance to South Korean citizens was "extremely regrettable," adding, "The most important reason for the South Korean government's measures is the lives and safety of its people. "That's the number one priority."