J Prev Med Public Health.  2020 Sep;53(5):302-306. 10.3961/jpmph.20.213.

The Evolving Policy Debate on Border Closure in Korea

• Kang S
• Moon J
• Kang H
• Nam H
• Tak S
• Cho SI

• KMID: 2508361
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.20.213

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.

Keyword

COVID-19 pandemic; Infectious diseases; Control measure; Policy; Border closure