yna--2020-03-05--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 5)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 5)

It is necessary for lawmakers of the rival parties to take a close look at the money allocated to the @ @ @ @ @ disease during the deliberation of the bill .
They could raise the sum if necessary @ @ @ @ @ shortage of hospital beds and medical equipment is far acuter than had been previously thought @ @ @ @ @ be confined to the southeastern city of Daegu , a hotspot of the virus in @ @ @ @ @ spreads further across the country .

Extra budget bill
Spending should focus on fighting epidemic
The Moon Jae-in administration has come up with an extra budget bill worth 11.7 trillion won ($9.8 billion) to fight the new coronavirus more effectively and minimize economic damage from the epidemic. This spending plan is more than necessary to better cope with the worsening public health emergency.
On Wednesday, the government approved the bill during a Cabinet meeting and plans to present it to the National Assembly on Thursday. The Assembly should take swift action to pass the bill. Any delay could derail efforts by the state and local authorities to contain COVID-19. The longer the virus persists, the harder people's lives and the economy will be hit.
Of course, we do not expect any serious partisan dispute to take place at the Assembly over the much-needed extra budget. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and opposition parties, including the United Future Party (UFP), have already agreed on the bill. The rival parties must show bipartisanship to help the nation and the people overcome the virus-driven crisis.
The supplementary budget is the largest-ever for the fight of an epidemic in Korea. The government drew up an extra budget of 4.2 trillion won to fight severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and another worth 11.6 trillion won to contain Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2015. This demonstrates how serious the COVID-19 outbreak is.
First of all, the budget, if approved, should be executed in good faith to help the country win the battle with the relentless coronavirus. The Moon administration plans to spend 2.3 trillion won on beefing up the quarantine and healthcare system, including the provision of more medical equipment, hospital beds and facilities for the treatment of the spiking number of patients.
It is necessary for lawmakers of the rival parties to take a close look at the money allocated to the treatment and containment of the disease during the deliberation of the bill. They could raise the sum if necessary. In fact, the shortage of hospital beds and medical equipment is far acuter than had been previously thought. This problem will not be confined to the southeastern city of Daegu, a hotspot of the virus in Korea, if the epidemic spreads further across the country.
About 6.2 trillion won, more than half of the planned budget, will be used to minimize the economic fallout from the virus outbreak. The money will be spent supporting small and medium businesses and the self-employed, helping regional economies recover from damage, stabilizing people's lives, and maintaining job security for low-income earners. In a nutshell, the outlays will be injected to boost consumption and maintain the momentum for economic growth.
Most of the extra budget will be financed by issuing state bonds. This could raise concerns about the growing national debt and fiscal soundness. Thus, the Moon government needs to work out measures to achieve a balanced budget on a long-term basis.
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on March 5)

The root cause of the shortage of masks is Moon 's failure to stem the influx of the infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ recommendations from experts and many people .
As a result , the virus diffusion has @ @ @ @ @ making Korea second only to China in terms of the number of infected patients .
@ @ @ @ @ not offered a single word of apology so far .

Shortage of masks
Reuse of cloth masks advised; official mentions demand as problem
President Moon Jae-in said in a Cabinet meeting Tuesday that he is "sorry" for a shortage of face masks caused by the spread of the COVID-19 corona virus disease.
He had earlier said on Feb. 25 that Korea's mask production capacity was sufficient to meet demand. But the short supply at designated sales spots has not eased, because of an explosive growth of demand despite the government releasing about 5 million masks a day. Many wait for hours to buy only a few masks, with most others going back empty-handed.
This is happening because the government did not secure masks sufficiently before telling people not to worry. Government officials did not grasp the supply situation precisely and made a rough estimate of capacity and demand. People cannot avoid feeling not only disappointed, but also deceived.
The root cause of the shortage of masks is Moon's failure to stem the influx of the infectious disease early and thoroughly, despite recommendations from experts and many people. As a result, the virus diffusion has spiraled out of control, making Korea second only to China in terms of the number of infected patients. However, the president has not offered a single word of apology so far.
He also said that the problem of mask shortage should be shared equally while supply remains short, and effectively urged people to economize on masks. The president and high-ranking officials must be the first to do so.
On the day when Moon said "sorry" for the shortage of masks, a senior official of the public health authorities said that the best way to prevent infections is to wash hands and keep a distance from people, adding that the US does not advise its people to wear masks as a way to avoid catching COVID-19.
At first, the authorities said that people should wear masks, but now they are refraining people from doing so. If wearing a mask is not advised, the president and ministers should set an example.
Moon urged ministers to seek understanding and cooperation from people, but it is doubtful whether this is the right way to do so.
Further, the US is not the same as Korea. We are a much smaller country, and here, many commute by public transportation. Naturally, wearing masks will help prevent virus transmission.
On the same day, Moon's policy chief Kim Sang-jo said though Korea is one of the world's largest mask producers in terms of per capita output, the domestic demand needs to be reduced. The reason why people are desperate now to buy masks is for their own safety. It is the government's duty to protect people's lives.
If people do not wear masks or buy them, the shortage of masks will be eased for sure. But if they go around without wearing masks, they will be exposed to a higher risk of being infected. This is not the way to solve problems, but will make them bigger.
Also, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has revised guidelines on the use of masks to advise healthy people to use and also reuse cloth masks after washing them, instead of more protective KF94 masks.
Until a few days ago, it advised people to use KF94 masks certified by the ministry rather than cloth masks and was against the reuse of masks.
Then, it did an about-turn as the shortage of masks is getting out of control and people's grievances are mounting. When the virus is spreading at a breakneck speed, the public health authorities are lowering the protection level of masks. This is absurd.
The government has frequently vowed it will be thoroughly prepared, but considering the current situation of mask shortage, people cannot but worry whether it is well prepared to beat the virus spread.
Masks are not the only problem. Protective clothing for doctors and nurses will reportedly fall short soon in Daegu, hit hardest by the virus. This is a cause of bigger concern. If the government does not act quickly and proactively, it will be in trouble.
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- S. Korea sets 11.7 tln won in 'coronavirus extra budget ' ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Park @ @ @ @ @ ' called into question ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Park 's message from prison ahead @ @ @ @ @ ( Donga llbo ) -- Operations of car-sharing service Tada suspended ( Seoul Shinmun ) @ @ @ @ @ cases represents cluster infections ( Segye Times ) -- 30,000 people currently in self-quarantine ( @ @ @ @ @ Park calls for conservatives ' unity against ruling party ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- 11.7 @ @ @ @ @ enough for fighting coronavirus ( Hankyoreh ) -- Poll shows less people willing to vote @ @ @ @ @ ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- New law passes parliamentary committee to suspend operation of Tada @ @ @ @ @ -- Daegu is ailing , but never cries ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on March 5.
Korean-language dailies
-- S. Korea sets 11.7 tln won in 'coronavirus extra budget' (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Park's 'advice for general elections' called into question (Kookmin Daily)
-- Park's message from prison ahead of general elections stirs controversy (Donga llbo)
-- Operations of car-sharing service Tada suspended (Seoul Shinmun)
-- 66 pct of coronavirus cases represents cluster infections (Segye Times)
-- 30,000 people currently in self-quarantine (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Ex-President Park calls for conservatives' unity against ruling party (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- 11.7 tln won extra budget not enough for fighting coronavirus (Hankyoreh)
-- Poll shows less people willing to vote for ruling party over coronavirus (Hankook Ilbo)
-- New law passes parliamentary committee to suspend operation of Tada (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Daegu is ailing, but never cries (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Gov't proposes $9.9 bln in spending (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Seoul strains to stop virus deaths (Korea Herald)
-- Gov't under fire for mask shortage (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Esper: N. Korea's missile capabilities becoming increasingly complicated

The president has dismissed the North 's short-range missile tests as unimportant , even though they are banned under U.N. @ @ @ @ @ instead taken credit for Pyongyang 's suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 4 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday that North Korea's ballistic missile capabilities are becoming "increasingly complicated" as the regime seeks to modernize its missile systems.
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday, according to South Korea's military, the first such launch in about three months.
North Korean media later said it was a long-range artillery firing drill overseen by leader Kim Jong-un.
Esper was asked during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing if the threat of North Korea's ballistic missile capabilities is becoming increasingly dangerous.
This EPA photo shows U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper testifying during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
"It's becoming increasingly complicated as they seek to modernize the full range of missile systems," he answered.
Asked if the North's long-range ballistic missiles pose a threat to the United States, he said, "Yes, if our intelligence is correct, they would."
North Korea has not tested a long-range ballistic missile since 2017, after which denuclearization negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang resumed in earnest.
Despite three meetings between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump, the two sides have failed to reach an agreement and talks have stalled.
Trump was asked Tuesday if he had any reaction to the North's latest launch.
"No, I have no reaction," he told reporters during a roundtable briefing on the coronavirus. "Short-term missiles. No. No. None."
The president has dismissed the North's short-range missile tests as unimportant, even though they are banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions, and instead taken credit for Pyongyang's suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) New York to recall college students in S. Korea over coronavirus

`` Those are countries that have been on the quote-unquote watch list , recall list the federal government has set @ @ @ @ @ a press briefing on the coronavirus in Albany , the state capital .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ a chartered plane , which will land at Stewart Airport .
They will then be @ @ @ @ @ dormitory settings .
We 'll then stay in touch with them after the 14 days @ @ @ @ @ ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with details; CHANGES photo)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 4 (Yonhap) -- New York is recalling some 300 college students and faculty in South Korea and four other countries over concerns about the coronavirus, the state's governor said Wednesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the students of the State University of New York and the City University of New York are being asked to return from their study abroad programs in South Korea, China, Italy, Japan and Iran. Those programs have been suspended, effectively immediately, he said.
"Those are countries that have been on the quote-unquote watch list, recall list the federal government has set," Cuomo said during a press briefing on the coronavirus in Albany, the state capital. "The students will come back on a chartered plane, which will land at Stewart Airport. They will then be quarantined for 14 days in dormitory settings. We'll then stay in touch with them after the 14 days and do follow-up work."
The governor's office added in a press release that the decision was made based on recommendations from the New York State Department of Health. It noted that all five countries have been issued a Level 2 or Level 3 travel notice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
South Korea was issued a Level 3 on Feb. 24. It is the highest level and recommends that Americans avoid all nonessential travel to the country.
As of Wednesday, there were 5,621 cases of the coronavirus in South Korea, with 35 deaths.
Cuomo announced at the same briefing that four more people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total there to six.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a press briefing on the coronavirus in Albany, New York, on March 4, 2020, in this photo provided by the governor's office. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--New York to recall college students in S. Korea over coronavirus

`` Students will come back on a chartered plane , which will land in Stewart Airport , '' Cuomo said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They will then be quarantined for 14 days in dormitory settings .
We @ @ @ @ @ with them after the 14 days , do follow up work . ''

WASHINGTON, March 4 (Yonhap) -- New York is recalling 300 college students and faculty in South Korea and four other countries over concerns about the coronavirus, the state's governor said Wednesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said all students of the State University of New York and the City University of New York will be brought back from study abroad programs in South Korea, China, Italy, Japan and Iran, according to the Associated Press.
Cuomo made the announcement at a press briefing in Albany, the state capital, during which he confirmed that four more people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total there to six.
"Students will come back on a chartered plane, which will land in Stewart Airport," Cuomo said, according to the AP. "They will then be quarantined for 14 days in dormitory settings. We'll then stay in touch with them after the 14 days, do follow up work."
He added that the dormitory facilities will be "controlled facilities" for the quarantine period.
South Korea has reported 5,621 cases of the coronavirus, with 35 deaths.
This AFP photo shows New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaking during a news conference in New York City on March 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Parliament rejects revision bill on internet-only banks

The revision bill calls for removing a record of antitrust and taxation law violations from the eligibility requirement for the @ @ @ @ @ bank .
Its passage could have paved the way for telecom giant KT Corp. to @ @ @ @ @ K-Bank , an internet-only bank launched in 2017 .
KT has a record of violating @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS new info in last 4 paras)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The National Assembly on Thursday voted down a bill intended to loosen the eligibility requirement for the largest shareholder of an internet-only bank.
A revision of the Act on Special Cases Concerning Establishment and Operation of Internet-only Banks failed to pass in parliament, as 82 of 184 lawmakers on hand in the plenary session voted against it. Only 75 lawmakers voted for the bill while 27 abstained.
Lawmakers vote on a revision bill on the operation of internet-only banks at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The revision bill calls for removing a record of antitrust and taxation law violations from the eligibility requirement for the largest shareholder of an internet-only bank. Its passage could have paved the way for telecom giant KT Corp. to become the largest shareholder of K-Bank, an internet-only bank launched in 2017. KT has a record of violating the fair trade law.
The current law allows information technology firms to hold as much as a 34-percent stake in an internet-only bank. But the law prohibits a shareholder of an internet-only bank from raising a stake in the bank if the shareholder was punished for violating an antitrust law.
A lawmaker of the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) spoke in favor of the revision bill, saying it would help upgrade the competitiveness of the nation's financial industry.
But many lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and minor parties opposed the revision bill, calling it a favor to KT Corp.
After the vote, UFP lawmakers walked out, claiming the DP reneged on an earlier agreement between the two parties to pass the bill.
The floor leaders of the two parties agreed later in the day to hold a full-member session Friday to vote on other bills, including one that would effectively ban Tada, a ride-hailing service.
At the start of the session, Lee In-young, DP floor leader, will apologize for party members' rejection of the internet bank bill, his deputy said.
The bill will be dealt with in the first plenary session after the April 15 parliamentary elections, he added.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Japan to quarantine arrivals from South Korea, China over coronavirus

He also said that all incoming flights from the two countries will only be allowed to land in Narita Airport @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo , and Kansai Airport in Osaka .

(ATTN: ADDS more details throughout)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Japan decided Thursday to tighten entry restrictions on arrivals from South Korea and China starting next week amid concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced after a government meeting that those flying in from the two virus-hit neighboring countries will be quarantined at a designated place for two weeks.
The new measure will be effective from next Monday through the end of this month.
Tokyo's has already imposed an entry ban on people arriving from the South's two southeastern regions -- Daegu city and North Gyeongsang Province -- where the bulk of COVID-19 cases have been reported.
Abe hinted at the possibility of expanding the entry ban for other virus-hit regions in South Korea and invalidating all arrival visas that have been issued to Koreans and Chinese.
He also said that all incoming flights from the two countries will only be allowed to land in Narita Airport, the main gateway to Tokyo, and Kansai Airport in Osaka.
South Korea has so far reported 6,088 confirmed cases of the novel virus and 41 deaths.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Moon holds phone talks with leaders of UAE, Egypt on anti-virus efforts

SEOUL , March 5 ( Yonhap ) -- President Moon Jae-in spoke by phone with the leaders of the United @ @ @ @ @ and Egypt on Thursday and discussed joint efforts to cope with the new coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Dae said .

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in spoke by phone with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt on Thursday and discussed joint efforts to cope with the new coronavirus, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon held talks first with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and then with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said in a release. The phone talks each lasted about 20 minutes.
Moon asked for understanding over the decision to postpone his visit to the two countries, originally planned for mid-March, due to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.
South Korea has seen a rapid spread of infections since it reported the first case on Jan. 20. The country had reported over 6,000 confirmed cases and 41 deaths as of Thursday.
This photo, provided by the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, shows President Moon Jae-in speaking by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on March 5, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon stressed Korea's extraordinary efforts to overcome the outbreak, citing its massive and swift virus testing, his office said.
He said that the country has been transparent with the daily public disclosure of statistics related to the virus infections.
The UAE crown prince said he deeply trusts Korea's active quarantine efforts and strong capabilities in fighting the virus, adding that his country will actively cooperate with Korea in overcoming the virus.
El-Sisi also spoke of Korea's advanced response system and said he believes Korea will overcome the current situation through its stringent quarantine steps and advanced medical technology, according to Moon's office.
Moon and the leaders also agreed to continue cooperation toward steady development of bilateral relations, Cheong Wa Dae said.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of South Korea's diplomatic relations with the UAE, and 25th anniversary with Egypt.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Kim's letter a positive sign, but immediate breakthrough in chilled relations unlikely: experts

Despite North Korea 's repeated claims of no virus infection , Seoul 's spy agency said that there appears to @ @ @ @ @ for showing suspected symptoms in the North .
Some say that the North might be @ @ @ @ @ to contain what they say is fast spreading of the virus on its soil .

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in this week provided a positive sign for chilled inter-Korean relations but it remains to be seen whether his reconciliatory gesture will lead to any meaningful breakthrough, experts said Thursday.
Moon's office Cheong Wa Dae said earlier Thursday that Kim sent a personal letter to Moon the previous day to express his support for South Korea's fight against the new coronavirus. In return, Moon sent a letter to Kim to thank him for his support, Cheong Wa Dae added.
Kim's letter came as a surprise in that it came just one day after Kim Yo-jong, his sister and closest aide, issued a harshly worded statement criticizing the presidential office for complaining about the North's latest firings of short-range missiles.
Though she did not criticize Moon directly, her statement clouded prospects for an improvement in inter-Korean relations that have been stalled since the no-deal summit between her brother and U.S. President Donald Trump in February last year.
Kim Yong-hyun, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University, said that Kim's letter might not be enough to end the current stalemate overnight but it could serve as a "lubricant" in helping break the logjam in cross-border relations down the road.
"It is not easy to find solutions to the currently stalemated inter-Korean relations but Kim's letter seems to be signaling that the North is leaving some room (for the two Koreas) to wriggle around," the professor said. "Though it might not lead to a drastic change in inter-Korean relations, the letter could serve as a lubricant."
Inter-Korean exchanges have been at a standstill as North Korea remains unresponsive to South Korea's offers for talks and cooperation, including its push for individual trips to the North and joint efforts to fight the coronavirus that has been quickly spreading in the South.
North Korea has not reported any virus infection but it has swiftly tightened its border with China and toughened quarantine procedures to keep the virus at bay.
Despite North Korea's repeated claims of no virus infection, Seoul's spy agency said that there appears to be around 7,000 people quarantined for showing suspected symptoms in the North. Some say that the North might be in desperate need of help to contain what they say is fast spreading of the virus on its soil.
Tight border controls and beefed-up quarantine appear to be hampering leader Kim's pet project to develop a world-class tourism industry as part of efforts to lure foreign travelers and build a self-reliant economy free from outside help.
Cheong Seong-chang, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, cautiously raised the possibility that the North might be in dire situation due to the coronavirus and could seek cooperation with South Korea in the near future.
"Though South Korea is currently struggling with the spread of the new coronavirus itself, Seoul has demonstrated to the world its advanced health and medical technology and systems," he said.
"If the Seoul government succeeds in containing the spread of the virus in the near future, North Korea could seek cooperation from the South in health and medical areas," he added.
He also expected that the North could be responsive to Seoul's individual tour initiative as part of efforts to counter a sharp decline in the number of visitors from China after the coronavirus fears abate.
Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, agreed that Kim's personal letter amounts to an encouraging sign in chilled inter-Korean relations but cautioned that it is too early to expect any immediate breakthrough.
"It is still important to remind ourselves of what the North Korean leader said during late last year's party meeting. He vowed to overcome challenges without external help and maintained his stance to sideline South Korea in the process," he said. "It remains to be seen whether Kim would change course in such a short period of time."
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Japan to quarantine arrivals from South Korea, China over coronavirus

Tokyo 's decision is an expansion of its entry restriction for South Korea , as the previous measure had applied @ @ @ @ @ the South 's two southeastern regions -- Daegu city and North Gyeongsang Province -- where @ @ @ @ @ have been reported .

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Japan decided Thursday to tighten entry restrictions on arrivals from South Korea and China amid concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that those flying in from the two virus-hit neighboring countries will be quarantined for two weeks.
Tokyo's decision is an expansion of its entry restriction for South Korea, as the previous measure had applied to people who have visited the South's two southeastern regions -- Daegu city and North Gyeongsang Province -- where the bulk of COVID-19 cases have been reported.
South Korea has so far reported 6,088 confirmed cases of the novel virus and 41 deaths.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Passengers to undergo temperature checks at Incheon airport

The temperature checks will be conducted on passengers bound for the United States , China and the United Arab Emirates @ @ @ @ @ first at the entrance of the airport 's terminal , the second at the floor @ @ @ @ @ at the boarding gate for each flight to the three countries , the statement said @

(ATTN: ADDS updates with details of similar measure by Asiana Airlines in 3rd-to-last para; UPDATES figures in last para)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will conduct pre-boarding temperature checks on all outbound passengers at the country's main gateway starting next week to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading further, the transport ministry said Thursday.
The Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC), the operator of the Incheon International Airport, will conduct passenger temperature checks for all flights departing from Incheon, just west of Seoul, beginning Monday to make the main gateway a "COVID-19 Free Airport," the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.
The temperature checks will be conducted on passengers bound for the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates in three stages: the first at the entrance of the airport's terminal, the second at the floor for departures and the last at the boarding gate for each flight to the three countries, the statement said.
This photo taken on March 5, 2020, shows an official from the Incheon International Airport Corp. checking the temperature of a passenger at the Incheon airport in Incheon, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Passengers not headed for the three countries are subject to the first two rounds of temperature checks, it said.
The three countries requested South Korea conduct temperature checks on passengers inbound from Incheon as they grapple with rising concerns about air travel over the potentially deadly respiratory illness.
Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's top airline, has conducted temperature checks of passengers on all flights departing from Incheon to the U.S. since Feb. 29.
In extended efforts to curb the virus, the national flag carrier on Thursday began checking temperatures of all outbound passengers on its international routes and disinfecting the cabin of flights to the U.S. and those arriving from China.
Asiana Airlines Inc. said it will take the same measure starting Friday. Passengers bound for China will not be allowed to board the plane if they have a temperature of over 37.3 C. Those flying to the U.S. and other regions could be refused if their temperature is measured at 37.5 C or higher.
Local airlines have suspended or reduced flights on most of their international routes since early this month as people opt not to travel amid virus fears and governments' restrictions on entry from South Korea.
As of Thursday, at least 98 countries and territories are imposing entry bans or stricter quarantine procedures for people from South Korea, which has reported a total of 6,088 confirmed coronavirus cases and 41 related deaths.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(6th LD) S. Korea's virus cases top 6,000, another virus-hit city under special care

Aside from Daegu and North Gyeongsang , cases of community spread with unknown origins , mostly cluster and sporadic outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ rise .
Seoul 's confirmed cases rose by four to 103 , with 14 cases @ @ @ @ @ 's Hospital in Eunpyeong Ward .
Another 13 cases in Seoul came from an apartment @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES death toll in 4th para; ADDS 5th para with more info)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's coronavirus caseload rose above 6,000 on Thursday, with most new virus infections still identified in the southeastern city of Daegu, the epicenter of the virus outbreak here. A third virus-stricken area near Daegu was designated as a "special care zone."
The 322 new cases, which were identified over the past 16 hours on Thursday, brought the nation's total number of infections to 6,088, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.
Thursday's additional cases followed the 438 new cases detected on Wednesday, the 516 new cases on Tuesday and the 600 on Monday.
So far, 41 people, mostly elderly patients with underlying illnesses, have died in South Korea from the respiratory virus that emerged in China late last year, according to the KCDC and local governments.
The fatalities have surpassed the country's death toll of 39 recorded for the 2015 MERS outbreak. South Korea reported 186 confirmed MERS cases.
About 60 percent of confirmed cases have been linked to a branch of the Shincheonji religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million.
However, health authorities have shifted their focus to testing ordinary citizens in Daegu, citing an alarming level of community spread in the city.
Medical staffers use band-aids to cover wounds on their faces caused by wearing protective goggles for long hours while treating coronavirus patients at Dongsan Hospital in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the 438 new cases detected on Wednesday, 321 are in Daegu and 87 in neighboring North Gyeongsang Province, the two epicenters of the virus outbreak here, the KCDC said.
The total confirmed cases in Daegu and North Gyeongsang stood at 4,327 and 861, respectively.
Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip told reporters that the government had designated the southeastern city of Gyeongsan, which is adjacent to both Daegu and Cheongdo County, as the nation's third "special care zone" over virus infections.
Along with Daegu, Cheongdo, where a total of 116 infections have been identified so far, was designated as such a zone on Feb. 21. The central government provides more medical resources and staff to these zones.
Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang has reported a total of 229 confirmed cases, Kim said.
Fears of a coronavirus pandemic, meaning the virus spreading across the world via local spread, are growing, with Italy and Iran reporting hundreds of new confirmed cases.
The government has allowed hospitals and pharmacies to check whether people have traveled to Italy and Iran, Kim said.
Kim voiced cautious optimism that the pace of new infections may slow in coming days as tests on Shincheonji followers who have shown symptoms have been completed.
In a fresh precautionary measure, the government extended child care center breaks by another two weeks to March 22, Kim said. Spring semesters of all elementary, middle and high schools have already been delayed to March 23.
Aside from Daegu and North Gyeongsang, cases of community spread with unknown origins, mostly cluster and sporadic outbreaks, are gradually on the rise. Seoul's confirmed cases rose by four to 103, with 14 cases linked to Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital in Eunpyeong Ward. Another 13 cases in Seoul came from an apartment building in Seongdong Ward.
In the central cities of Cheonan and Asan, 55 of the total 87 patients attended a Zumba dance class in Cheonan, officials said.
The latest mass infection was reported at a sanitarium in North Gyeongsang Province. A total of 34 people at the facility were confirmed to have been infected. The other 82 people at the institute are undergoing virus test.
Soldiers disinfect Kim Kwang-seok Memorial Street, a famous tourist spot, in the southeastern city of Daegu on March 5, 2020, as part of preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (Yonhap)
KCDC Deputy Director Kwon Jun-wook told reporters that clusters of infections accounted for 69.4 percent of total confirmed cases as of Thursday, up 3.8 percentage points from a day ago.
More cases are expected to be confirmed as mass infections, as an epidemiological survey of the remaining cases is under way, Kwon said.
Kwon renewed calls for people to refrain from going outside or attending gatherings and to work from home, while strictly following standard precautions such as hand washing and coughing etiquette.
Since raising the virus alert level to "red," the highest level, on Feb. 23, health authorities have focused on halting the spread of the virus in Daegu and North Gyeongsang.
In some positive news, South Korea released 47 fully recovered coronavirus patients on Wednesday, marking the biggest number of cured virus patients on a daily basis, the KCDC said.
So far, South Korea has released 88 fully recovered novel coronavirus patients from hospitals as of Wednesday, the KCDC said.
The number of people being checked for the virus and under quarantine came to 21,810 as of Wednesday, down 6,604 from the day before, it added. The country has tested a total of 140,775 suspected cases, with 118,965 testing negative.
Currently, there is no evidence that the new coronavirus is airborne. The World Health Organization said the virus is transmitted through droplets or close contact. The best measures to protect yourself from the virus are to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid mass gatherings, health officials said.
A medical worker shivers in the cold at a special facility set up to treat coronavirus patients at a public hospital in Seoul on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) AMCHAM expects no U.S. travel ban for all of S. Korea

`` The fact that the highest level travel advisory has been restricted to the Daegu region and not to all @ @ @ @ @ government 's recognition of South Korea 's effective measures to contain the outbreak , '' @ @ @ @ @ of the board of governors at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea ( AMCHAM @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with comments on coronavirus by Euroean business lobby in last 4 paras)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The United States is unlikely to apply its highest travel advisory to all of South Korea, a U.S. business lobby said Thursday, citing Seoul's aggressive efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Last week, the U.S. raised its travel advisory for Daegu to Level 4, the highest level, urging Americans not to travel to the southeastern city most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.
The rest of South Korea remained under Level 3, which means "reconsider travel."
"The fact that the highest level travel advisory has been restricted to the Daegu region and not to all of Korea shows the U.S. government's recognition of South Korea's effective measures to contain the outbreak," said Jeffrey Jones, chairman of the board of governors at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM).
Jones and AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said South Korea has been proactive and transparent in reacting to the virus outbreak and that the high number of confirmed cases is due to the thorough testing procedures of the Korean government compared to other countries.
South Korea has the second-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases after China. It had reported a total of 5,766 cases as of Thursday, with the death toll at 35.
This photo taken on March 5, 2020, and provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) shows AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim (L) and Jeffrey Jones, chairman of the AMCHAM Board of Governors, delivering a briefing on AMCHAM member firms' stance toward the South Korean government's reaction to the spreading coronavirus outbreak at a press conference at the International Finance Corporation mall in Yeouido, Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
As for the impact of the spreading virus outbreak on U.S. businesses in Korea, AMCHAM said about 80 percent of its member companies expect to report a loss in revenues for the first quarter due mainly to a decline in purchases by customers or clients.
AMCHAM member firms have taken measures to minimize the negative impact of the virus on their operations, such as the usage of cloud computing, the distribution of masks and sanitary equipment and extension of loan paybacks for small and medium-sized enterprises, the statement said.
"We at AMCHAM have complete confidence that the Korean government is undertaking every possible measure to confront the situation and restore normalcy," the chairman said.
Also Thursday, the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) said 55 percent of 65 member firms replied they are likely to report a sharp decline in revenue for the first half of this year, citing its recent survey.
The business lobby, which represents 360 European companies in South Korea, said nearly half of respondents replied they plan to lower annual business targets.
The ECCK said the South Korean government has been extremely prudent in taking necessary steps for the detection and containment of the virus, as well as maintaining a high degree of transparency with information disclosure.
"ECCK truly appreciates and fully supports the actions undertaken by the government and believes that companies will overcome the difficulties as well," ECCK Chairperson Dimitris Psillakis said in a statement.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Midfielder back home from Europe to win championship

`` One of the reasons I signed with Ulsan is that I want to win a championship , '' Lee @ @ @ @ @ it 's premature to talk about winning titles before we 've even played a match @ @ @ @ @ there and play my best week in and week out , and I think good @ @ @ @ @ still play with the same kind of urgency and desperation that I did all those @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- After spending more than a decade in Europe, South Korean veteran midfielder Lee Chung-yong has come home with a simple, if easier-said-than-done, goal on his mind: to win a championship.
Lee agreed to a three-year deal with Ulsan Hyundai FC of the K League 1 on Tuesday. Lee made his pro debut with another K League outfit, FC Seoul, in 2004, and played the past 11 years in England and Germany before returning to his native land. His previous club was VfL Bochum in the second-tier 2. Bundesliga.
At his introductory press conference at the Korea Football Association (KFA) House in Seoul on Thursday, Lee thanked Ulsan for giving him the opportunity to play before Korean fans again.
Lee Chung-yong of Ulsan Hyundai FC poses in the K League 1 club's uniform at his introductory press conference at the Korea Football Association (KFA) House in Seoul on March 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
"One of the reasons I signed with Ulsan is that I want to win a championship," Lee said. "Obviously, it's premature to talk about winning titles before we've even played a match. I'll go out there and play my best week in and week out, and I think good results will follow. I still play with the same kind of urgency and desperation that I did all those years ago."
Last year, Ulsan came oh-so-close to winning their first title since 2005. They were in first place heading into the last day of the season, but suffered a devastating, 4-1 loss to Pohang Steelers in the finale. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors leapfrogged them to their third straight title thanks to a 1-0 win over Gangwon FC.
Ulsan made some significant moves to try to contend for the title again. Before acquiring Lee, they signed national team goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo and crafty midfielder Yoon Bitgaram.
Lee said he understands the pressure that comes with the type of contract he signed -- the team said it's the largest in club history, without divulging financial terms -- but he's ready to embrace it.
"Fans will always have high expectations, but athletes have to live with it," he said. "I think it will force me to be more responsible and better prepared."
Lee revealed that Ulsan had first approached him "a few years ago" while he was still with Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Lee wasn't seeing much action with the club, but he said he still wanted to stick around in Europe to see how well he could keep playing against that competition.
This time around, Lee said he no longer had regrets about leaving Europe.
Lee Chung-yong of Ulsan Hyundai FC speaks at his introductory press conference at the Korea Football Association (KFA) House in Seoul on March 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
"When I was trying to decide where I should sign, that history I had with Ulsan and gratitude I felt back then played a role," Lee said. "Ulsan have put together a great squad. I don't even know if I deserve all the love and support I got from this club."
Per an agreement he had with FC Seoul when he left them in 2009 for Bolton Wanderers, Lee had to negotiate with FC Seoul first if he wanted to return to the K League.
Lee said rejoining FC Seoul -- a team that signed him out of middle school and developed him in their youth academy -- was his "No. 1 priority" but things just didn't go that way.
"A lot has to go right if you want to end up with the team of your choice," Lee said. "We had our differences but we also respected each other."
For signing with another club, Lee owes FC Seoul a fee, reportedly about 600 million won (US$507,680). Because Ulsan paid Bochum a transfer fee to pluck him off their roster, the penalty fee is between Lee and FC Seoul.
A similar agreement proved to be the deal breaker when Lee's former FC Seoul teammate, Ki Sung-yueng, sought to rejoin the team last month. After his initial talks with FC Seoul fell through, Ki negotiated with another K League team, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Because Ki was a free agent after getting released by Newcastle United, Jeonbuk had to pay FC Seoul for acquiring Ki. And Jeonbuk balked at the amount -- reportedly 2.6 billion won -- and Ki ended up signing with Spanish club RCD Mallorca.
Lee Chung-yong of Ulsan Hyundai FC poses in the K League 1 club's uniform at his introductory press conference at the Korea Football Association (KFA) House in Seoul on March 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee said he didn't want to discuss his situation with FC Seoul on Thursday but added, "I didn't want to miss the opportunity to play before Korean fans, and I am sure FC Seoul would understand that."
Lee said Ki reached out and congratulated him on his return to the K League, and said he was hoping to see his former teammate back in the same league.
"Hopefully, he'll have a chance to play here again," he said. "Sung-yueng is a special player. For someone like that to play in the K League will be really significant."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--AMCHAM expects no U.S. travel ban for all of S. Korea

`` The fact that the highest level travel advisory has been restricted to the Daegu region and not to all @ @ @ @ @ government 's recognition of South Korea 's effective measures to contain the outbreak , '' @ @ @ @ @ of the board of governors at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea .

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The United States is unlikely to apply its highest travel advisory to all of South Korea, a U.S. business lobby said Thursday, citing Seoul's aggressive efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Last week, the U.S. raised its travel advisory for Daegu to Level 4, the highest level, urging Americans not to travel to the southeastern city most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.
The rest of South Korea remained under Level 3, which means "reconsider travel."
"The fact that the highest level travel advisory has been restricted to the Daegu region and not to all of Korea shows the U.S. government's recognition of South Korea's effective measures to contain the outbreak," said Jeffrey Jones, chairman of the board of governors at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
Jones and AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said South Korea has been proactive and transparent in reacting to the virus outbreak and that the high number of confirmed cases is due to the thorough testing procedures of the Korean government compared to other countries.
South Korea has the second-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases after China. It had reported a total of 5,766 cases as of Thursday, with the death toll at 35.
This photo taken on March 5, 2020, and provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) shows AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim (L) and Jeffrey Jones, chairman of the AMCHAM Board of Governors, delivering a briefing on AMCHAM member firms' stance toward the South Korean government's reaction to the spreading coronavirus outbreak at a press conference at the International Finance Corporation mall in Yeouido, Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
As for the impact of the spreading virus outbreak on U.S. businesses in Korea, AMCHAM said about 80 percent of its member companies expect to report a loss in revenues for the first quarter due mainly to a decline in purchases by customers or clients.
AMCHAM member firms have taken measures to minimize the negative impact of the virus on their operations, such as the usage of cloud computing, the distribution of masks and sanitary equipment and extension of loan paybacks for small and medium-sized enterprises, the statement said.
"We at AMCHAM have complete confidence that the Korean government is undertaking every possible measure to confront the situation and restore normalcy," the chairman said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Big firms join 'social-distancing' drive amid virus crisis

SK Group , which has No .
1 mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. and top oil refiner SK Innovation Co. @ @ @ @ @ considering extending its telecommuting system by one week .
The group adopted a groupwide remote @ @ @ @ @ to deal with the virus .

(ATTN: UPDATES details in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Big businesses in South Korea are introducing more "social-distancing" measures to help contain the disruptive coronavirus outbreak, sources said Thursday.
It comes as the government has proposed a social-distancing drive to slow the fast spread of the pneumonia-causing disease, seeing the next couple of weeks as a turning point for containing it.
Social distancing refers to a series of tactics designed to keep people from gathering in large crowds, including working from home, canceling school and avoiding in-person meetings.
According to the sources, major large firms, many of which adopted teleworking and flextime in late February, are weighing plans to allow their employees to work from home for a longer period.
SK Group, which has No. 1 mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. and top oil refiner SK Innovation Co. under its wing, is considering extending its telecommuting system by one week. The group adopted a groupwide remote work system on Feb. 25 to deal with the virus.
SK Innovation has decided to extend its "working-from-home" scheme by two weeks.
This undated file photo shows a citizen walking past a social-distancing campaign poster in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Hyundai Motor Co. and smaller sister firm Kia Motors Corp. -- South Korea's top two automakers -- also extended their partial working-from-home arrangements by one week.
Hyundai and Kia permitted pregnant employees and workers with underlying diseases to work from home on Feb. 27. Two days later, the automakers allowed employees in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province to work from home till Friday.
Hyundai Mobis Co., South Korea's leading auto parts maker, is widely expected to continue its alternate-day telecommuting system till next week.
LG Group, which adopted a two-week teleworking system for employees with young children on Feb. 25, is weighing a plan to extend it in step with the government's postponement of school opening.
The government Monday ordered all kindergartens and elementary and secondary schools to delay the start of the spring semester by two weeks to protect students from COVID-19, following a one-week delay on Feb. 23.
LG International Corp., which adopted a telecommuting arrangement for all workers, excluding essential staff, on Feb. 27, has decided to extend it by one week till next Wednesday.
LG Group said it is encouraging units to adopt staggered working hours and ban travel between workplaces as part of efforts to minimize the use of mass transportation.
Also joining the social-distancing campaign are Hanwha and Doosan groups, which are considering expanding teleworking systems, holidays and other measures.
South Korea is struggling to fight the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 35 lives and infected more than 5,700 people so far. It has also had a huge impact on South Koreans' everyday lives and the country's economy.
In this photo provided by LG Group on March 3, 2020, screens are set up on tables of a cafeteria at the group building in Seoul to help prevent coronavirus infections between them. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) FM Kang to preside over coronavirus meeting with foreign diplomats

The upcoming session , set for Friday , will take place as more than 90 countries are imposing entry restrictions @ @ @ @ @ people arriving from South Korea .
The session is the second of its kind after @ @ @ @ @ hosted a similar meeting on Feb. 25 .

(ATTN: UPDATES last para)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will host a briefing session for foreign diplomats in Seoul this week as part of efforts to prevent their countries from taking excessive measures against Korean visitors over new coronavirus concerns, her office said Thursday.
The upcoming session, set for Friday, will take place as more than 90 countries are imposing entry restrictions or stricter quarantine procedures for people arriving from South Korea. The session is the second of its kind after Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Kun hosted a similar meeting on Feb. 25.
"Through the meeting, Minister Kang plans to explain the government's all-out efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreaks and renew calls for the countries not to take excessively restrictive measures against our nationals," Kim In-chul, ministry spokesman, told a regular press briefing.
South Korea has so far reported 6,088 COVID-19 cases, with 40 deaths.
This photo, taken on April 23, 2019, shows Kim In-chul, spokesman for the foreign ministry, speaking during a press conference at the ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(4th LD) Australia to impose entry ban on people from Korea on Thursday

The Australian Embassy said that the weeklong entry ban will go into effect at 7 p.m. ( Korea time ) @ @ @ @ @ review whether to continue the ban in the next seven days .
It explained the @ @ @ @ @ to slow the rate of transmission in Australia . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES in lead, 9th para)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Australia plans to impose a temporary entry ban on foreigners from South Korea on Thursday, the country's embassy in Seoul said, as the number of COVID-19 infections here reached 6,088.
Seoul's foreign ministry voiced "strong regrets" over the measures that it claimed came without sufficient prior consultations, officials said, stressing its all-out efforts to contain the novel coronavirus.
Shortly before Australia's official announcement on the measures, Australian Ambassador to South Korea James Choi visited the ministry to explain them.
The Australian Embassy said that the weeklong entry ban will go into effect at 7 p.m. (Korea time) and that the country will review whether to continue the ban in the next seven days. It explained the measure "affords best protection to slow the rate of transmission in Australia."
"The new measures include an entry ban on non-Australian citizens travelling from the ROK for seven days from 9 p.m. tonight -- Australian Eastern Time which will be reviewed in seven days," the embassy said in a statement. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, Republic of Korea.
The move came as Seoul has been stepping up diplomacy to prevent what it calls excessively restrictive measures against Korea. Currently, 96 countries and territories are imposing entry bans or stricter quarantine procedures for people from South Korea.
Australia also decided to raise its "travel advice" for South Korea to Level 3 in the four-tier system, urging its citizens to "reconsider your need to travel."
In addition, it decided to raise the advice level for Daegu -- the epicenter of the outbreaks -- to Level 4, which means "do not travel" there.
Meanwhile, Australia only imposed "advanced" screening measures for people travelling from Italy, despite the European country having reported more than 100 deaths. South Korea's death toll stands at 40.
Seoul officials said that Australia had said through a diplomatic channel that it imposed the entry ban because the number of people arriving from South Korea is five times the number of those from Italy.
Last year, some 249,000 South Koreans visited Australia, while about 187,000 Australians traveled here.
This photo, taken on June 27, 2019, shows Australian Ambassador to South Korea James Choi speaking at a seminar in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) UNC says it stands ready to approve DMZ entry requests despite coronavirus concerns

North Korea has restricted cross-border travel since late January as part of efforts to prevent the new virus from spreading @ @ @ @ @ claims that not a single case of the virus has been reported on its soil @

(ATTN: UPDATES last 3 paras with Kim's letter to Moon)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The United Nations Command (UNC) has said it stands ready to approve requests for entry into the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas in order to support aid provision, diplomatic meetings and other inter-Korean projects despite coronavirus concerns.
"Things are quieter since #NorthKorea closed its borders due to #COVID19, but UNC personnel still stand ready to approve & facilitate crossings between the two Koreas," the U.S.-led command said in a Facebook post Wednesday.
The UNC has been the enforcer of the armistice agreement that halted the 1950-53 Korean War.
North Korea has restricted cross-border travel since late January as part of efforts to prevent the new virus from spreading into the country. Pyongyang claims that not a single case of the virus has been reported on its soil.
The UNC's comment came just one day after North Korea expressed displeasure at the office of South Korean President Moon Jae-in complaining about Pyongyang's recent projectile launches.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, called Cheong Wa Dae "gangster-like" and "foolish" for taking issue with what it calls an "action for self-defence."
On Wednesday, however, the North's leader sent a personal letter to Moon in an apparent conciliatory gesture and wished Moon and other South Koreans good health amid the massive outbreak of the novel coronavirus, according to the presidential office.
"Chairman Kim said he will quietly support South Korea's fight against COVID-19 and showed his constant friendship and trust toward Moon," Yoon Do-han, Cheong Wa Dae's senior secretary for public communication, said.
This photo, captured from the United Nations Command's Facebook account, shows a transportation corridor connecting South and North Korea on the east coast. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(2nd LD) USFK reports 2 more cases of new coronavirus in Daegu, total now at 6

The fifth patient had been in self-quarantine since Feb. 26 and had not had contact with any other USFK-affiliated person @ @ @ @ @ it said .
The person is now under direct medical care and supervision at a @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest figure at bottom)
By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Two dependents of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of USFK-related infection cases to six, the military said Thursday.
The fifth patient is a dependent of an active duty service member and the sixth is the spouse of a U.S. Department of Defense civilian employee, both based in the southeastern city of Daegu, according to USFK.
Daegu, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, has been the heart of South Korea's COVID-19 outbreak, with the number of patients in the city skyrocketing due to a cluster of infections centered on the Shincheonji religious sect.
The fifth patient had been in self-quarantine since Feb. 26 and had not had contact with any other USFK-affiliated person since going into quarantine, it said. The person is now under direct medical care and supervision at a military hospital, USFK said.
"KCDC and USFK health professionals determined contact tracing was not necessary due to the patient's quarantine measures and lack of interaction with others," it said. KCDC stands for the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The sixth patient has been in self-quarantine since Feb. 28, and her spouse is now also under self-quarantine at their off-post residence as a precautionary measure. The military said she did not have contact with USFK affiliated personnel other than her spouse.
"KCDC and USFK health professionals are actively conducting contact tracing to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed," it said.
USFK remains on "high" risk level peninsula-wide and is implementing all appropriate control measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus to protect the force, it added.
As of Thursday, South Korea had reported 6,088 cases of the new coronavirus, including 40 deaths.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus on Feb. 28, 2020, in this photo provided by United States Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(2nd LD) 98 countries, territories restricting entry from S. Korea over coronavirus concerns

Australia announced a plan to start enforcing a weeklong entry ban on foreigners travelling from South Korea at 7 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ , its embassy in Seoul said .
It will review in the next seven days @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES tally in last para)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- A total of 98 countries and territories are imposing entry restrictions or tougher quarantine procedures on people from South Korea on Thursday, amid fears about the new coronavirus outbreaks
As of 3 p.m., 37 countries and territories, including Australia, plan to enforce or imposed entry bans on people who have traveled to South Korea in the past two weeks, according to the foreign ministry.
Australia announced a plan to start enforcing a weeklong entry ban on foreigners travelling from South Korea at 7 p.m. Thursday (Korea time), its embassy in Seoul said. It will review in the next seven days whether to extend the ban.
Four countries and territories, including Japan, have imposed entry bans on people from parts of Korea, such as the country's southeastern city of Daegu and the adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of COVID-19 infections have occurred.
A total of 13 countries and territories, including Vietnam, have quarantined people from South Korea or other virus-affected countries.
The Republic of Congo now quarantines people flying in from South Korea, Iran, Italy and China at designated hotels.
The number of countries and territories that have strengthened immigration controls or recommended quarantine programs for Koreans was tallied at 44.
Among the countries was Mozambique, which imposes a 14-day self-quarantine for people from Korea with no symptoms or quarantines those with signs of illness at designated facilities.
Malta was also an addition to this list, as it started recommending a 14-day self-quarantine for foreigners arriving from South Korea, China, Japan, Iran and northern Italy.
In China, 17 provinces and cities, including the latest addition of Hunan Province, enforced quarantine programs for people arriving from South Korea or from parts of the country, like Daegu, mostly at designated hotels.
As of Thursday afternoon, a total of 1,226 South Koreans, including 860 in China and 318 in Vietnam, were in quarantine around the world.
As of Thursday afternoon, South Korea's coronavirus cases totaled 6,088 cases and 40 deaths.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Despite virus fears, flexible working still elusive option for some workers

`` In small and midsized companies , you have to really speak up to be heard , '' the 33-year-old @ @ @ @ @ is more difficult for pregnant women in real life .
You do n't want to @ @ @ @ @ would need the company 's approval to go on maternity leave and return to work @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES details in last two paras)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Until the new coronavirus broke out in South Korea, Park Yoon-ha was happily looking forward to meeting her first child this fall.
But as the number of infections spiked, her daily commute on the subway and time at work became tinted with fear as she grew anxious about her own health and her child's.
As the outbreak showed no signs of abating, the government launched a "social distancing" campaign, with major companies like LG and Kakao advising employees to work from home.
Last week, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun asked companies to encourage leave and remote working, and the labor ministry has also urged companies to allow pregnant employees to work from home.
This photo, provided by food company BBQ, shows its office being disinfected after employees were advised to work from home. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
But such an option was initially not available to Park, who works in a midsized company that specializes in health care marketing.
"My company didn't announce remote working even after the disease alert was heightened to the highest level. I had to ask first and wait for my request to be approved," said Park, who asked to be identified by an alias.
"In small and midsized companies, you have to really speak up to be heard," the 33-year-old went on. "This is more difficult for pregnant women in real life. You don't want to be wrongly stigmatized since you would need the company's approval to go on maternity leave and return to work."
Park said she feels much safer simply by not having to get on a crowded subway for her commute.
But many women, including one who wrote an online petition on a site run by the presidential office, are still waiting for their companies to begin remote working.
The petition, which more than 1,000 have signed as of Thursday, asks the government to mandate a remote working policy for all pregnant women.
"I understand that companies may be fretting about work productivity falling when remote working becomes the norm, but still, I hope there are temporary measures for those who are more vulnerable," Park said.
Meanwhile, employees at smaller firms are not the only ones asking for stronger safety measures against the new coronavirus.
Teachers who have to run emergency child care classes at child care centers and elementary schools are also demanding heightened measures.
The education ministry has postponed the new school semester that was scheduled to begin on March 2 until March 23 to prevent transmissions at schools. Only emergency child care is provided for children who cannot be taken care of at home.
Unionized workers at a group representing education workers hold a press conference in Seoul on Feb. 25, 2020, demanding heightened safety measures. (Yonhap)
On Feb. 25, an umbrella group representing teachers held a press conference, claiming that the safest measure would be to suspend those classes.
If the plan is inevitable, the government should draw up stronger safety measures and more compensation for those who have to continue their work as usual, they said.
Delivery workers, whose workloads have surged in line with a jump in online shopping, have also called for tightened measures.
In a Feb. 27 press conference, Rider Union, an umbrella group that represents delivery workers, asked customers to use prepaid services and urged companies to provide masks to workers who have to continue to work.
Workplace safety for employees at smaller companies or those working in non-office jobs may likely remain an issue for the time being as the virus continues to spread across the country.
South Korea has reported 322 more cases since 12 a.m. on Thursday, bringing the number of infections to 6,088. The country confirmed its first case on Jan. 20.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(5th LD) S. Korea's virus cases top 6,000, another virus-hit city under special care

(ATTN: UPDATES with KCDC's latest toll in first 4 paras; AMENDS headline)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's coronavirus caseload rose above 6,000 on Thursday, with most new virus infections still identified in the southeastern city of Daegu, the epicenter of the virus outbreak here. A third virus-stricken area near Daegu was designated as a "special care zone."
The 322 new cases, which were identified over the past 16 hours on Thursday, brought the nation's total number of infections to 6,088, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.
Thursday's additional cases followed the 438 new cases detected on Wednesday, the 516 new cases on Tuesday and the 600 on Monday.
So far, 40 people, mostly elderly patients with underlying illnesses, have died in South Korea from the respiratory virus that emerged in China late last year, the KCDC said.
About 60 percent of confirmed cases have been linked to a branch of the Shincheonji religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million.
However, health authorities have shifted their focus to testing ordinary citizens in Daegu, citing an alarming level of community spread in the city.
Medical staffers use band-aids to cover wounds on their faces caused by wearing protective goggles for long hours while treating coronavirus patients at Dongsan Hospital in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the 438 new cases detected on Wednesday, 321 are in Daegu and 87 in neighboring North Gyeongsang Province, the two epicenters of the virus outbreak here, the KCDC said.
The total confirmed cases in Daegu and North Gyeongsang stood at 4,327 and 861, respectively.
Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip told reporters that the government had designated the southeastern city of Gyeongsan, which is adjacent to both Daegu and Cheongdo County, as the nation's third "special care zone" over virus infections.
Along with Daegu, Cheongdo, where a total of 116 infections have been identified so far, was designated as such a zone on Feb. 21. The central government provides more medical resources and staff to these zones.
Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang has reported a total of 229 confirmed cases, Kim said.
Fears of a coronavirus pandemic, meaning the virus spreading across the world via local spread, are growing, with Italy and Iran reporting hundreds of new confirmed cases.
The government has allowed hospitals and pharmacies to check whether people have traveled to Italy and Iran, Kim said.
Kim voiced cautious optimism that the pace of new infections may slow in coming days as tests on Shincheonji followers who have shown symptoms have been completed.
In a fresh precautionary measure, the government extended child care center breaks by another two weeks to March 22, Kim said. Spring semesters of all elementary, middle and high schools have already been delayed to March 23.
Aside from Daegu and North Gyeongsang, cases of community spread with unknown origins, mostly cluster and sporadic outbreaks, are gradually on the rise. Seoul's confirmed cases rose by four to 103, with 14 cases linked to Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital in Eunpyeong Ward. Another 13 cases in Seoul came from an apartment building in Seongdong Ward.
In the central cities of Cheonan and Asan, 55 of the total 87 patients attended a Zumba dance class in Cheonan, officials said.
The latest mass infection was reported at a sanitarium in North Gyeongsang Province. A total of 34 people at the facility were confirmed to have been infected. The other 82 people at the institute are undergoing virus test.
Soldiers disinfect Kim Kwang-seok Memorial Street, a famous tourist spot, in the southeastern city of Daegu on March 5, 2020, as part of preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (Yonhap)
KCDC Deputy Director Kwon Jun-wook told reporters that clusters of infections accounted for 69.4 percent of total confirmed cases as of Thursday, up 3.8 percentage points from a day ago.
More cases are expected to be confirmed as mass infections, as an epidemiological survey of the remaining cases is under way, Kwon said.
Kwon renewed calls for people to refrain from going outside or attending gatherings and to work from home, while strictly following standard precautions such as hand washing and coughing etiquette.
Since raising the virus alert level to "red," the highest level, on Feb. 23, health authorities have focused on halting the spread of the virus in Daegu and North Gyeongsang.
In some positive news, South Korea released 47 fully recovered coronavirus patients on Wednesday, marking the biggest number of cured virus patients on a daily basis, the KCDC said.
So far, South Korea has released 88 fully recovered novel coronavirus patients from hospitals as of Wednesday, the KCDC said.
The number of people being checked for the virus and under quarantine came to 21,810 as of Wednesday, down 6,604 from the day before, it added. The country has tested a total of 140,775 suspected cases, with 118,965 testing negative.
Currently, there is no evidence that the new coronavirus is airborne. The World Health Organization said the virus is transmitted through droplets or close contact. The best measures to protect yourself from the virus are to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid mass gatherings, health officials said.
A medical worker shivers in the cold at a special facility set up to treat coronavirus patients at a public hospital in Seoul on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Shincheonji donates 12 bln won for coronavirus fight

`` We do feel responsibility for the massive number of infections of the virus and do our best to support @ @ @ @ @ all our resources , '' the church said .
`` We pray for the quick @ @ @ @ @ the recovery of all patients . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest number of cases in 3rd para)
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The minor religious sect at the center of a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in South Korea said Thursday that it has donated 12 billion won (US$10.1 million) to the country's battle against the spread of COVID-19.
The church said it made the donation to the Community Chest of Korea, with 10 billion won from its branch in Daegu and 2 billion won from its headquarters.
A branch of the Shincheonji church in the southeastern city of Daegu is thought to be the epicenter of the latest spike in infections. The number of COVID-19 infections in the country reached 6,088 on Thursday.
"We do feel responsibility for the massive number of infections of the virus and do our best to support the government-led disease-control measures with all our resources," the church said. "We pray for the quick stabilization of the situation and the recovery of all patients."
Earlier this week, Lee Man-hee, the founder of the homegrown religion, apologized for the spread of the disease and vowed to fully cooperate with government efforts to combat it.
Lee Man-hee, the founder of the Shincheonji Church, holds a press conference in Gapyeong, east of Seoul, on March 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Parliament rejects revision bill on internet-only banks

The revision bill calls for removing a record of antitrust and taxation law violations from the eligibility requirement for the @ @ @ @ @ bank .
Its passage could have paved the way for telecom giant KT Corp. to @ @ @ @ @ K-Bank , an internet-only bank launched in 2017 .
KT has a record of violating @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The National Assembly on Thursday voted down a bill intended to loosen the eligibility requirement for the largest shareholder of an internet-only bank.
A revision of the Act on Special Cases Concerning Establishment and Operation of Internet-only Banks failed to pass in parliament, as 82 of 184 lawmakers on hand in the plenary session voted against it. Only 75 lawmakers voted for the bill while 27 abstained.
Lawmakers vote on a revision bill on the operation of internet-only banks at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The revision bill calls for removing a record of antitrust and taxation law violations from the eligibility requirement for the largest shareholder of an internet-only bank. Its passage could have paved the way for telecom giant KT Corp. to become the largest shareholder of K-Bank, an internet-only bank launched in 2017. KT has a record of violating the fair trade law.
The current law allows information technology firms to hold as much as a 34-percent stake in an internet-only bank. But the law prohibits a shareholder of an internet-only bank from raising a stake in the bank if the shareholder was punished for violating an antitrust law.
A lawmaker of the main opposition United Future Party spoke in favor of the revision bill, saying it would help upgrade the competitiveness of the nation's financial industry.
But many lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party and minor parties opposed the revision bill, calling it a favor to KT Corp.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(LEAD) Virus outbreak may sap trade, investment: finance minister

`` It will provide accurate information about the country 's quarantine efforts , economic conditions and stimulus measures to credit @ @ @ @ @ ... ( and ) it will do its utmost to maintain their faith and confidence @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more information, additional background in paras 4-5, 12-14)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in South Korea may adversely affect trade and investment, in addition to various problems it is already causing, according to the country's finance minister on Friday.
"Difficulties are apparently accumulating and becoming real in most areas of the real economy, such as local consumption, production and exports, as consumer sentiment and business activities weakened greatly due to COVID-19," Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said in a meeting with economy-related ministers.
In the photo provided by the finance ministry, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (C) speaks in an economy-related ministers' meeting in Sejong, 110 kilometers south of Seoul, on March 6, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"With the number of countries restricting the entry of visitors from South Korea growing, it may also create additional restrictions on business activities, including trade and investment," he told the meeting.
South Korea's exports grew 4.5 percent from a year earlier last month, ending a 14-month streak of on-year drops that began December 2018.
The rise in exports, however, was solely attributed to an increase in the number of working days in the month as the daily average of exports plunged 11.7 percent, compared with a 4.6 percent increase in January.
Hong's remarks came shortly after Japan joined the list of countries applying or soon to apply entry restrictions on people arriving from South Korea and other countries affected by COVID-19 outbreaks.
South Korea has reported more than 6,000 infection cases since its first confirmed case on Jan. 20.
So far, some 40 countries are said to have banned the entry of visitors from South Korea, while 50 others are placing quarantine procedures on people arriving from South Korea.
The Bank of Korea has slashed its 2020 growth outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy to 2.1 percent from the previous 2.3 percent, partly citing an inevitable drop in local spending caused by the virus outbreak.
Hong said the government will do its utmost to prevent unnecessary fears.
"It will provide accurate information about the country's quarantine efforts, economic conditions and stimulus measures to credit rating agencies and foreign investors ... (and) it will do its utmost to maintain their faith and confidence in the South Korean economy," he said.
Soldiers disinfect Kim Kwang-seok Memorial Street, a famous tourist spot, in the southeastern city of Daegu on March 5, 2020, as part of preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The government has submitted a bill to the National Assembly asking for 11.7 trillion won (US$9.84 billion) in extra budget to fight the virus and also to boost the local economy.
The extra budget, if approved, will mark the country's largest-ever supplementary budget to counter the fallout from a virus outbreak, and only the fourth of its kind to be formed and implemented in the first quarter.
The finance ministry said at least 75 percent of the proposed extra budget will be executed within two months following its approval by the parliament as the country races to minimize economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
The finance minister also vowed to take preemptive steps to deal with increased market volatility.
"First, the government will monitor the financial and foreign exchange markets around the clock, and take preemptive measures swiftly and accurately under its contingency plan in case of excessive market volatility," the minister said.
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--Retail investors rush to buy stocks amid market rout

Despite a recent upturn , it remains to be seen whether the stock market will be able to keep its @ @ @ @ @ rising coronavirus cases in the United States and other parts of the world , they @ @

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean retail investors have rushed to fill in a stock market vacuum left by fleeing foreigners since the country confirmed its first coronavirus case in late January, data showed Friday.
Individual investors' net buying of local stocks reached upwards of 9 trillion won (US$7.6 billion) between Jan. 20, when the first coronavirus patient was reported, and Thursday, according to the data from the Korea Exchange.
In February alone, small investors scooped up a net 4.9 trillion won, a record high for the month.
In particular, retail investors remained in net buying mode for 12 sessions in a row between Feb. 17 and Tuesday, the longest net buying streak in nearly eight years.
Retail investors' buying binge came despite the stock market's steep falls over the past two months. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plunged 3.58 percent in January.
As the pneumonia-like disease spread rapidly in the country, the key stock index sank deeper into negative terrain, shedding as much as 6.23 percent in February.
KOSPI especially tumbled 3.3 percent on Feb. 28, dipping below the psychologically important 2,000-point level.
Market watchers said retail investors snapped up beaten-down stocks in anticipation of price hikes, while international investors scrambled to take profits.
Top-cap Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest smartphone and memory chipmaker, was the darling of individual investors between Jan. 20 and Thursday with their net buying coming to 3.2 trillion won.
Retail investors also loaded up on chip giant SK hynix, leading cosmetics firm AmorePacific and Hotel Shilla, a luxury hotel chain affiliated with South Korea's top conglomerate Samsung Group.
Offshore investors, in contrast, sold a net 2.8 trillion won worth of South Korean shares over the cited period, with Samsung being the most sold stock.
Analysts voiced concerns that retail investors stand to lose big from their investments should the local bourse go south again down the road.
Despite a recent upturn, it remains to be seen whether the stock market will be able to keep its upward momentum in light of rising coronavirus cases in the United States and other parts of the world, they added.
KOSPI rose 1.26 percent to close at 2,085.26 on Thursday, extending its gain to a fourth straight session amid expectations of further monetary easing by other major central banks following a surprise U.S. rate cut.
Observers said the local bourse could get a boost from a slowdown in the daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea. South Korea reported 322 new cases Thursday, down from 438 Wednesday, 516 Tuesday and 600 Monday.
As of early Friday, the country's total number of infections came to 6,088, with the death toll reaching 42.
(END)


Friday's weather forecast

SEOUL , March 6 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .

(URGENT) N. Korea says Travis King decided to come over to N. Korea because he harbored ill feeling within the U.S. Army: KCNA


KOSPI 2,053.09 DN 32.17 points (open)


KOSDAQ 642.33 DN 7.86 points (open)


yna--2020-03-06--Dollar opens at 1,190.5 won UP from 1,181.2 won


yna--2020-03-06--Virus outbreak may sap trade, investment: finance minister

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in South Korea may adversely affect trade and investment, in addition to various problems it is already causing, according to the country's finance minister on Friday.
"Difficulties are apparently accumulating and becoming real in most areas of the real economy, such as local consumption, production and exports, as consumer sentiment and business activities weakened greatly due to COVID-19," Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said in a meeting with economy-related ministers.
In the photo provided by the finance ministry, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (C) speaks in an economy-related ministers' meeting in Sejong, 110 kilometers south of Seoul, on March 6, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"With the number of countries restricting the entry of visitors from South Korea growing, it may also create additional restrictions on business activities, including trade and investment," he told the meeting.
Hong's remarks came shortly after Japan joined the list of countries applying or soon to apply entry restrictions on people arriving from South Korea and other countries affected by COVID-19 outbreaks.
South Korea has reported more than 6,000 infection cases since its first confirmed case on Jan. 20.
So far, some 40 countries are said to have banned the entry of visitors from South Korea, while 50 others are placing quarantine procedures on people arriving from South Korea.
The Bank of Korea has slashed its 2020 growth outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy to 2.1 percent from the previous 2.3 percent, partly citing an inevitable drop in local spending caused by the virus outbreak.
Hong said the government will do its utmost to prevent unnecessary fears.
"It will provide accurate information about the country's quarantine efforts, economic conditions and stimulus measures to credit rating agencies and foreign investors ... (and) it will do its utmost to maintain their faith and confidence in the South Korean economy," he said.
The finance minister also vowed to take preemptive steps to deal with increased market volatility.
"First, the government will monitor the financial and foreign exchange markets around the clock, and take preemptive measures swiftly and accurately under its contingency plan in case of excessive market volatility," the minister said.
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--U.S. ready to resume nuclear talks with N. Korea: official

`` From a State Department perspective , it remains true that we are ready and willing and prepared for the @ @ @ @ @ North Korea in which they will , one hopes , implement the commitments made in @ @ @ @ @ move forward towards the kind of negotiated solution that our senior officials from President Trump @ @ @ @ @ for for some time , '' Ford said at the briefing in New York .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 5 (Yonhap) -- The United States stands ready to resume denuclearization negotiations with North Korea as soon as possible and hopes to hear back from the regime, a senior U.S. official said Thursday.
Christopher Ford, assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation, made the comment during a press briefing marking the 50th anniversary of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Despite three meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, denuclearization negotiations between the two sides have stalled for more than a year due to differences on the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and concessions from the U.S.
"From a State Department perspective, it remains true that we are ready and willing and prepared for the beginning of working-level discussions with North Korea in which they will, one hopes, implement the commitments made in Singapore and allow us to move forward towards the kind of negotiated solution that our senior officials from President Trump all down have been calling for for some time," Ford said at the briefing in New York.
"We have been ready for that and look forward to hearing back from them and moving forward as soon as possible," he added.
Trump and Kim's first summit in Singapore in June 2018 produced an agreement committing the North to "work toward" the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for U.S. security guarantees. The two sides also agreed to improve bilateral relations and work together to build a lasting peace regime on the peninsula.
Ford reaffirmed the Trump administration's commitment to the agreement.
"I can assure you that from an interagency and a departmental perspective, we are ready and prepared for trying to make those commitments in Singapore into a reality on the ground as soon as possible," he said.
This AFP file photo shows U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Christopher Ford testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--N. Korea lifts quarantine on 221 foreigners

They were among about 380 foreign nationals who were put under quarantine to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 on its @ @ @ @ @ Korean Central News Agency .

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's state media said Friday that it has lifted the quarantine placed on 221 foreigners over coronavirus concerns.
They were among about 380 foreign nationals who were put under quarantine to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 on its soil, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
It did not mention who they were but media reports have said that foreign diplomats were released earlier this week after a month of isolation in Pyongyang.
In mid-February, North Korea doubled the quarantine period for people at risk of being exposed to the virus to a month as it stepped up anti-virus efforts across the country.
The North has not reported any confirmed coronavirus infections, but speculation persists that it might be concealing an outbreak that is possibly spiraling out of control.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--S. Korea voices 'extreme regret' over Japan's entry restrictions for Koreans

`` Given that this measure came when signs of progress in our containment efforts appear to have emerged , we @ @ @ @ @ whether Japan has other intentions than its considerations of the quarantine aspect , '' the @ @ @

By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry on Friday expressed "extreme regret" over Japan's two-week quarantine plan for visitors from South Korea over new coronavirus concerns, warning of "all possible" corresponding measures.
Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young plans to summon Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koji Tomita to officially lodge a protest over the measure that is set to take effect Monday and last until the end of this month.
Tokyo announced Thursday that visitors from South Korea and China will have to stay at designated facilities for two weeks to be checked for infections and refrain from using public transportation. It also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for South Koreans on Monday.
"We express extreme regrets over the fact that Japan has taken such an unreasonable and excessive measure without sufficient consultations with us, although our government has urged Japan to cautiously review its additional measures multiple times," the ministry said in a text message sent to reporters.
"We strongly urge Japan to immediately reconsider this measure," it added.
The ministry also raised doubts over Japan's intentions behind the latest step.
"Given that this measure came when signs of progress in our containment efforts appear to have emerged, we cannot help but doubt whether Japan has other intentions than its considerations of the quarantine aspect," the ministry said.
"While placing the top priority on the health and safety of our citizens, the government is weighing all possible measures (in response to Japan's measure)," it added.
Japan has already banned the entry of people who have visited the southeastern city of Daegu and the adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of the country's COVID-19 infections have taken place.
As of Thursday afternoon, South Korea has reported 6,088 confirmed cases of the novel virus and 42 deaths. As of 1 a.m. Friday, 100 countries and territories planned to enforce or were imposing entry restrictions or stricter quarantine programs for people from South Korea.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--S. Korea urges Japan to lift trade restrictions

Tokyo also said visas issued to Koreans and Chinese travelers will be canceled and that all incoming flights from the @ @ @ @ @ allowed to land in Narita Airport , the main gateway to Tokyo , or Kansai @ @ @ @

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday urged Japan to immediately lift the trade curbs it imposed on Asia's No. 4 economy, stressing that Seoul has taken necessary measures to bolster its export control system in line with Tokyo's demands.
In July last year, Japan imposed restrictions on exports to Seoul of three key industrial materials critical for South Korea's chip and display industries, namely photoresist, etching gas and fluorinated polyimide.
Tokyo cited Seoul's alleged lax export control system for sensitive materials that can be diverted for military use as the reason behind its export restrictions. It also removed Seoul from its list of favored trade partners.
"South Korea has been making efforts to beef up its export-control capabilities and removed the issues raised by Japan in order to settle the trade dispute with Japan," Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo said in a statement.
The remark came as the two countries are set to hold a meeting in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss their trade policies.
"Although South Korea already operates a fully functioning catch-all system, the country nevertheless plan to revise its foreign trade act to further bolster export controls," he added.
The country also increased the number of staff at the Korean Security Agency of Trade and Industry by 25 percent to better manage its export control system, according to the minister.
"We urge Japan to take corresponding action and normalize (regulations) to the level before July last year," Sung said.
In December, Tokyo partially lifted curbs on exports to South Korea of photoresist in an apparent goodwill gesture ahead of their summit, which ended without meaningful progress.
Japan's export curbs against South Korea are widely seen as being politically motivated and came in response to the country's court rulings ordering Japanese firms to provide compensation for Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.
Japan's economic retaliation has not yet had a significant impact on local industry, but the trade row has nevertheless sparked uncertainty for South Korea's export-oriented economy.
Amid simmering tension between the two Asian neighbors, Japan decided Thursday to tighten entry restrictions on arrivals from South Korea, including a two-week mandatory quarantine and the suspension a visa-waiver program, to guard against the spread of the new coronavirus.
Tokyo also said visas issued to Koreans and Chinese travelers will be canceled and that all incoming flights from the two countries will only be allowed to land in Narita Airport, the main gateway to Tokyo, or Kansai Airport in Osaka.
Around 5.58 million people from South Korea visited Japan last year.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)