KDCA computer glitch delays information on China arrivals

A Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) system Tuesday generated errors Tuesday, disturbing the immediate delivery of information on arrivals from China required to take PCR tests at local public health centers.

The Terminal 1 of the Incheon International Airport on Tuesday [YONHAP]

A Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) system Tuesday generated errors Tuesday, disturbing the immediate delivery of information on arrivals from China required to take PCR tests at local public health centers.

The disruption of the system comes on the second day new Covid-19 restrictions for arrivals from China went into effect.

Among those arriving from China, Korean nationals and foreigners residing in Korea for longer than 90 days are required to take PCR tests at a local public health center within a day of their arrival. They are also required to stay home until they get their results.

All others, including Chinese citizens not residing in Korea and all short-term travelers, are tested at the airport.

Due to the error, public health centers are not receiving the list of names and addresses of people that need to be tested and informed of results.

“The KDCA said the system will be working by 2:00 p.m., but the system is still not working as of 2:30 p.m.,” said a spokesperson at a public health center in Seoul.

“I heard there is some network error as the list of names is being delivered right away.”

The KDCA explained that the list of names is not being delivered due to a system error and said it will resolve the issue as soon as possible.

BY RHEE ESTHER,NA UN-CHAE [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]