U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris (wearing a black mask) on March 11 is briefed on the quarantine procedure for U.S.-bound passengers at Incheon International Airport amid strengthened efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui and Lee Hana

U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris on March 11 visited the boarding gates of Incheon International Airport to see firsthand the screening process for U.S.-bound passengers amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

He underwent three fever checks starting from a terminal entrance and ending at a boarding gate, and was briefed on the process by airport personnel and officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The ambassador said he appreciated the hard work of the airport staff for American passengers, adding, "The Korean model is held up as the exemplar around the world."

In a Twitter post later, he said he was "impressed with Korea's robust and comprehensive response efforts to limit the virus's spread."

To contain the outbreak, the Korean government and Incheon International Airport Corp. since March 11 have screened all U.S.-bound passengers regardless of nationality.

Such passengers must undergo fever checks and fill out health questionnaires at the terminal. If they show a fever and other symptoms, they are sent home after being instructed on the next steps, and if they test positive for the coronavirus, they are quarantined immediately.

kgh89@korea.kr