A Chinese spouse of Korean citizens, who are living in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the new coronavirus infection, has also been told to allow charter flights to Korea.

As a result, they will be able to return if our government decides to add additional temporary flights.

According to Beijing sources, the Consulate General of Wuhan recently conducted a boarding demand survey when Chinese authorities informed them that even spouses, parents and children of Korean citizens in Wuhan would be allowed to go to Korea on a chartered basis. .

However, even if this charter is used, Chinese nationals such as father-in-law, mother-in-law, siblings, siblings, sisters, fiancee, and girlfriend are not included in the spouse or immediate relatives.

Currently, about 200 people remain in Wuhan, including Koreans and their families, including children and pregnant women.

Earlier, the Korean government sent charters to Wuhan on January 30 and 31, respectively, to return 701 Koreans.

Consulate General Wuhan has already conducted a preliminary demand survey on the third interim flight, and this time will receive applications including Chinese spouses and children.

Consulate General Wuhan said at the time of the last two charter flights, Chinese nationals were unable to board their families due to Chinese policy, and some of them were unable to realize their hopes of returning home.

Once the temporary flights have been organized, the cost of boarding and quarantine living in temporary residences after arrival in Korea is expected to proceed in the same way as during the first and second charter flights.

On the other hand, Kim Kang-rip, vice-president of the Central Accident and Welfare Division (Minister of Health and Welfare), said in a regular briefing on August 8 that "there are no specific plans for additional temporary flights to Wuhan."

(Photo = Yonhap News)