One of the main buildings of the Dongbu Detention Center in southern Seoul is seen through security fencing. Authorities say a total of 1,214 COVID-19 cases have been reported at the prison as of Jan. 13, 2021. (Photo: Yonhap News)
The government is implementing stronger quarantine measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 at correctional facilities nationwide and prevent another mass outbreak.
More than 1,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed at the Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul since late November.
Most of those infected are inmates.
Officials from the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters told reporters Wednesday that new inmates must now undergo three weeks of quarantine before joining the prison population.
Previously, the quarantine period was two weeks.
They will also be tested twice, before and after their isolation period.
In addition, everyone at the facilities must wear KF94 face masks and all prison personnel will be tested for the virus on a weekly basis.
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