S. Korea reports zero domestic infections

Gimpo International Airport in Seoul is busy with passengers traveling during holidays that started Thursday./ Yonhap

By Kim Se-jeong

Korea reported four new cases of COVID-19, Wednesday, all of which were imported, marking the first day without any domestically reported cases since Feb. 18.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), the total number of cases rose to 10,765, with 247 fatalities.

Also, the quarantine authorities said they hadn't seen any people suspected of contracting the virus after visiting polling stations April 15. Wednesday was the last day of the 14-day incubation period for the virus.

Almost 29 million citizens, including those who were under self-quarantine, participated in the election, and the authorities were highly concerned of a possible massive outbreak.

"We thank the citizens, healthcare workers and volunteers for their efforts. This demonstrated that we were able to keep the crisis under control," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior official handling the government's quarantine measures, said during a daily press conference.

In his Twitter message, President Moon Jae-in also congratulated the citizens. "Zero COVID-19 cases in connection with the general election! It shows the power of the people!"

During Buddha's Birthday on Thursday, roads, malls, parks and tourist destinations were packed with people looking to enjoy the public holiday. Thursday was also the first day of a long weekend that will continue until Children's Day on May 5. Gimpo International Airport was also busy with people heading to domestic tourist destinations outside Seoul.

Although COVD-19 infections dwindled in Korea, the quarantine authorities remain on high alert with a warning that a second wave of infections could be triggered at any time. They said they were quite sure that another outbreak will hit Korea in the fall or winter.

The government found five self-quarantine rule violators on Wednesday and said four of them who intentionally violated the rules will have the police investigate them for sanctions. They could be either fined up to 10 million won or sentenced to one year in prison.

Among them, one was revealed to have visited a plastic surgery clinic by a local civil officer who made a surprise visit to her home.

The government said, however, the four won't be obliged to wear electronic wristbands because the wristbands are applicable only to those who started self-quarantine on April 27 or after. No one has yet worn the wristband.

The government said it will launch a study to determine how many people are immune to COVID-19. The purpose of the study is to devise national quarantine measures for future outbreaks.

"Samples will be taken from people in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province because they had the highest number of cases," said Kwon Joon-wook, a senior official handling the quarantine measure, adding that experts are currently discussing details on how to conduct the study.

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