JessieMy parents are visiting Korea this weekend. I’m so happy just thinking about traveling with them here for two weeks.

PedroThat’s great. But be careful since the novel coronavirus is spreading around the world.

HuongYeah, that’s true. I have a friend in Vietnam who wants to come to Korea but has the same concern.

Su-hyeonDon’t worry. I’ll give you tips so that you can travel in Korea without worrying too much. First, let’s go over what happens at Incheon International Airport after your parents’ flight arrives.

JessieOK, what happens?

Su-hyeonThe airport is implementing strict measures to detect carriers of the virus and prevent its spread. China, Hong Kong and Macao have been designated “contaminated areas,” so passengers from those places have to undergo a special entry process.

HuongI guess it’s to prevent spreading the virus to other passengers. What’s the special entry process like?

Su-hyeonThe process has three steps. First, passengers have to fill out a form on their health, especially if they have fever or respiratory problems. Then they have to fill out a special quarantine report with the address of the place they’ll stay at in Korea, their cell phone number and whether they’ve recently visited China’s Hubei Province. This information is the basis for their inspections and passengers are quarantined if they’re diagnosed with any suspicious symptoms. If no symptoms are found, the last step is confirming the passengers’ contact information in Korea. After that, they can enter the country.

JessieI see. I’m planning to meet my parents at the airport and take them to Seoul on AREX (Airport Railroad Express). Is there anything else I should know?

Su-hyeonUsing public transportation could expose people to the virus. So to prevent infection, you can use hand sanitizer and masks on buses and taxis and at subway and train stations.

HuongThat’s true. I forgot my mask at home yesterday but picked one up on a bus, so that was convenient.

Su-hyeonYou can also use hand sanitizer at select markets, museums and other public places.

PedroIf you follow basic tips like frequently washing your hands and wearing masks, you should be fine when traveling.

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