Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Coronavirus: Korea warns against traveling to Japan, Italy
Sumo wrestlers wear masks as they arrive at the JR Shin-Osaka train station for a tournament in Osaka. AFP
By Jung Min-ho
A tourist stands in the Piazza del Duomo in Milan on Feb. 29. AFP
By Jung Min-ho
Korea has advised its citizens against traveling to Japan and Italy due to coronavirus concerns.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Japan on its four-tier scale on Saturday. The COVID-19 virus has killed 12 people and infected more than 900 (including those from the cruise ship Diamond Princess) in Japan.
“The decision was made after considering the risk of infection in Japan,” the ministry said in a statement. “We will keep an eye on the situation developing in Japan and, if necessary, will change the advisory level.”
On Friday, the ministry issued a Level 2 travel advisory for three regions in northern Italy ― Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna ― for the same reason. The death toll has hit 34 and nearly 1,700 people infected in the country.
“Korean citizens who stay in northern Italy should be mindful of health and safety; if you are considering visiting the region, we urge you to review the necessity of the trip carefully,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the ministry confirmed that 80 countries and territories are restricting the entry of travelers coming from Korea, where the virus has killed 22 people and infected more than 4,200.