In Accordance with Principle of Reciprocity
The South Korean government implemented tighter entry restrictions at midnight April 9 in accordance with the principle of reciprocity and within a scope not impairing the principle of openness.
According to the government, a total of 148 countries, including 41 European and 36 Asia-Pacific, are currently blocking the entry of South Koreans. The Korean government's tighter restrictions are to suspend visa exemption and visa-free entry in relation to 54 countries such as Thailand, Russia and France and 34 countries such as Australia and Canada, respectively.
In South Korea, a total of 46,566 persons were in self-quarantine as of April 6. They include 38,424 who entered from abroad. At present, the ratio of those from abroad to newly confirmed COVID-19 infections is on the increase and the coronavirus is poised to spread back from the United States and Europe to Asian countries such as Japan.
On April 8, the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in South Korea increased by 53, including 14 from abroad, to 10,384. The number remained at 50 or so for the fourth consecutive day. The central government is planning to strengthen the management of those in self-quarantine in cooperation with local governments and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. For instance, sudden inspections will be expanded nationwide from certain local governments and electronic bracelets will be employed after public opinion collection on condition that the devices do not infringe on human rights.