The Korea Herald

Government steps up virus screening as risk of community spread looms

Social affairsFeb 17, 2020

As health authorities struggle to determine how the country’s latest patients contracted the virus without China ties or contact with reported patients, the government on Monday once again vowed “pre...
Virus patient may face fine for breaking quarantine

Social affairsFeb 16, 2020

A patient with the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, may face penalties for not following quarantine rules, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Sunday. According to the KCDC, a 4...
New case with unknown transmission route puts Korea back on alert

Social affairsFeb 16, 2020

South Korea reported its 29th case of COVID-19 -- the new coronavirus -- on Sunday morning, after five consecutive days without a new case. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Pre...
Tracking down new mystery virus

Social affairsFeb 12, 2020

The new coronavirus that originated in China has infected 28 people in South Korea, with at least 5,000 being monitored for symptoms. Every time a new case is discovered, epidemiological investigato...
[From the scene] Inside 1339 hotline office in time of virus crisis

Social affairsFeb 11, 2020

Anyone suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus is first and foremost directed to call the disease control centers hotline at 1339. It is the primary point of contact for all virus querie...
Virus patient takes precautions, prevents spread

Social affairsFeb 10, 2020

South Korea’s 17th confirmed case of the new coronavirus is being highlighted as a successful example of containment efforts after all of his close contacts tested negative. The Korean man, 37, came...
Epidemiologists ask to dial down ‘virus paranoia’

Social affairsFeb 10, 2020

Epidemiologists and preventive medicine specialists on Monday voiced concerns against “excessive” fear of the Wuhan coronavirus, asking for the public’s cooperation with and trust in disease control ...
[Herald Interview] Ban entry from China, warns medical association president

Social affairsFeb 9, 2020

The head of South Korea’s largest doctor group said the government’s novel coronavirus response shows the country is ill-prepared for an epidemic, criticizing the failure to implement timely measures...
What doctors know, don’t know about new coronavirus

HealthFeb 7, 2020

South Korea’s top infectious disease doctors say the outbreak of the novel coronavirus may just be the beginning, and that medical resources should be distributed with the possibility the epidemic ma...
Patients without China links, symptoms catch health officials off guard

Social affairsFeb 6, 2020

Health authorities are updating their screening protocols after a series of novel coronavirus cases here revealed that infection can occur without symptoms, and in patients who have not visited high-...
[Newsmaker] Government tries damage control following face mask shortage

Social affairsFeb 5, 2020

With face masks running out fast as the new China-borne virus spreads, the government is cracking down on hoarding and illicit trading of hygiene goods in high demand. Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-...
1339 ready to help foreigners with virus queries

Social affairsFeb 4, 2020

Health authorities are increasing efforts to help protect foreigners here amid the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told The Korea Herald that languag...
Wuhan virus: Contacts failing to observe self-quarantine to be fined

Social affairsFeb 3, 2020

The government said on Monday all contacts of Wuhan coronavirus cases will be required to undergo 14 days of self-quarantine starting Tuesday. Those failing to observe the quarantine order will be su...
Korea’s virus fight at critical juncture: official

Social affairsFeb 2, 2020

South Korea saw the number of cases of the Wuhan coronavirus climb rapidly over the weekend, stoking fears of possible community transmission in the country. Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said Sund...
Wuhan virus anxiety ruins plans for Koreans

Social affairsJan 30, 2020

Wuhan virus fears are setting off a wave of cancellations of plans and events across the country, with many Koreans choosing to avoid crowds and gatherings. On Thursday, coastal cities Busan and Sam...