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| Workers prepare to disinfect as a precaution against the new coronavirus at a local market in Seoul, Wednesday. AP |
By Jung Min-ho
The government said Thursday it will deport foreigners who do not comply with COVID-19 measures despite being suspected or confirmed of having the coronavirus.
The Ministry of Justice has unveiled stronger measures against foreigners who do not follow health authorities' requests to be tested, treated or quarantined.
"If they refuse to comply with requests by health officials, we will immediately enforce the new rules, including deportation and entry ban," the ministry said.
If any foreigners cause financial damage by violating the health measures, the ministry said it will continue to seek compensation from them.
The ministry said it made the decision after a foreigner, who had been confirmed to have the virus, refused to follow the self-quarantine guideline and visited shops and restaurants. The ministry did not reveal details of the incident.
In an unprecedented move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a level-1 travel advisory for all countries starting Thursday. This advises all travelers to be cautious.
As of Thursday afternoon, the virus has infected more than 8,500 people and killed 91 in Korea.
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