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Today (23rd), the number of new corona cases is expected to be around 10,000.
As the steady decline continues, starting today, professional rapid antigen test results are also recognized at the time of entry in addition to PCR tests.
Reporter Kim Deok-hyun reports.
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People line up at the arrival hall of the airport.
Until yesterday, to enter Korea, you had to have a PCR test negative confirmation received within 48 hours before boarding.
[Geum Seong-hye / Inbound travelers: (per person) I came in after paying about 44 euros (PCR test).
I thought it was a waste of money.
I didn't want to receive it because it was a burden, but I had to do it to enter Korea, so I had no choice but to...
.]
However, from today, even a professional rapid antigen test, which is cheaper than a PCR test, is allowed to enter the country if it is negative within 24 hours.
[Sohn Young-rae / Jung Su-bon, head of the social strategy group (last 13th): There have been criticisms that it is not easy to receive PCR tests in foreign countries or that the cost burden is considerable.
Reflecting these points, we are moving toward accrediting the rapid antigen test for professionals...
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The speed of daily recovery in nursing hospitals and facilities is also faster.
Contact visits at nursing hospitals and facilities, which were temporarily implemented, are permitted for the time being indefinitely.
From today, even those who have not received the vaccine due to adverse reactions can have a contact visit if they have a doctor's opinion.
However, as the number of elderly deaths in nursing homes is high, the quarantine authorities plan to check the status of ventilation facilities in nursing hospitals across the country and check the status of infection control, such as separation of movement lines, at the same time.