Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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The Evolving Policy Debate on Border Closure in Korea

  • Kang, SuJin (Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University) ;
  • Moon, Jihyun (Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University) ;
  • Kang, Heewon (Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University) ;
  • Nam, Heekyoung (Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Tak, Sangwoo (Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University) ;
  • Cho, Sung-il (Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2020.05.22
  • Accepted : 2020.09.03
  • Published : 2020.09.30
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Abstract

Objectives: In this paper, we aimed to investigate the evolving debate over border closure in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to address the main themes associated with border closure, and to discuss the factors that need to be considered when making such decisions. Methods: We collated and reviewed previously conducted review studies on border closures during infectious disease outbreaks to derive relevant themes and factors. Results: According to our systematic review on border closures and travel restrictions, the effects of such containment efforts are limited. We suggest considering the following factors when determining whether to impose border closure measures: (1) disease characteristics, (2) timeliness of implementation, (3) transmission delay and the basic reproduction number, (4) globalization and pandemics, and (5) social and economic costs. Conclusions: Our assessment indicates that the effects of border closures are at best temporary and limited. Alternative measures must be contemplated and implemented to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in particular and infectious diseases more broadly.

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