Arrivals from China must submit negative Covid test to board flights

Arrivals from China are guided to PCR testing centers at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

All arrivals from China, including Korean nationals departing from the country, will be required to submit negative Covid-19 test results in order to board flights heading to Korea starting today.

The new measure is in addition to a rule requiring all arrivals to take PCR tests upon their arrival to Korea that went into effect since Monday.

All Korea-bound travelers from China will need to have a negative PCR test result from within 48 hours of boarding their flight, or a negative rapid antigen tested issued by a local clinic 24 hours before boarding their flight, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Those who are coming to Korea to attend funerals or coming for business trips associated with public affairs will be exempt from the new rule, as well as children below the age of six.

Arrivals who tested positive a minimum of 10 days or a maximum of 40 days prior to their flight will also be exempt from having to present Covid-negative tests.

These measures will stand through Feb. 28.

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