61 of 309 short-term arrivals from China test positive for Covid Monday

Arrivals from China are getting tested for Covid-19 at a PCR center in Incheon International Airport on Monday. [NEWS1]

Sixty-one travelers from China tested positive for Covid-19 on the first day PCR tests became mandatory for all arrivals from the country.

Of the 309 travelers who arrived from China yesterday for a short-term visit, or less than 90 days, about one-in-five tested positive for Covid, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Tuesday.

A total of 1,052 people, including cabin crew, arrived at Incheon International Airport yesterday, on nine different flights from China.

The remaining 743 arrivals, who are either Koreans or foreigners staying in Korea for more than 90 days, will need to take a PCR test at a nearby testing center within 24 hours of arrival.

The 61 arrivals who are infected will have to quarantine for seven days at a temporary facility near the airport, which is capable of holding up to 100 people.

All costs related to the PCR tests and quarantine will be paid by the arrivals.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]