Dear Friends of KCAB INTERNATIONAL

 
Considering the queries on KCAB INTERNATIONAL’s arbitration cases received during the past few weeks and in anticipation of the queries that are likely to be raised with regard to the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we would like to share the following: 

• Secretariat’s case management capacities are operating as normal. Owing to the need to cooperate with the nation-wide “social distancing” campaign in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Secretariat has arranged a rotation system where at least one on-duty member is present in the office during normal office hours, while the remaining members have been working remotely, but on standby and immediately reachable through phone and email. This has allowed us to minimize any disruption to the Secretariat’s ability to continue with its administrative duties and to respond to any incoming queries regarding the pending cases.

• While Secretariat’s case management functions continue as normal, some of the arbitration cases may be impacted by the need to reschedule hearings or other in person conferences. Parties, arbitral tribunals, and others involved in KCAB INTERNATIONAL cases may wish to assess the potential impact of the coronavirus situation on the pending proceedings and to plan for any contingencies as needed. We encourage parties and/or tri-bunals to discuss with the Secretariat any concerns arising from the impact of the current situation on the pending cases. 

• The Seoul International Dispute Resolution Center (SIDRC) is fully open as a hearing facility with enhanced security measures. Please see the Special Announcement from SIDRC that was released on 24 February 2020. We would like to stress that SIDRC maintains the necessary video conferencing equipment and facilities that allow all or parts of an evidentiary hearing to be substituted by videoconferencing. Please call your case manager or the SIDRC operating team (Ms. Yejin Kim, yejin.kim@kcab.or.kr, +82-2-551-2050) to discuss specifics.

 
• The building where the KCAB INTERNATIONAL and the SIDRC are located, along with all the adjacent buildings, have laid down additional security and sanitary measures. There have been multiple inspection spots stationed at all the entrance points to the build-ings to screen any visitors with possible symptoms of COVID-19. Those that wish access into the building must pass through a thermal camera, and it is imperative that they sanitize their hands with ethanol gel before entry. Frequent and thorough sanitization is conducted on the common areas and individual office spaces in efforts to prevent any potential expo-sure to the disease.

• Although the Korean government has not banned people entering the country from most parts of the world, there have been measures taken in order to prevent the spread ofthe COVID-19 infection, including the implementation of special immigration proce-dures. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea in its March 12, 2020 briefing, the summary of the “Special Immigration Procedures” are as follows:

□ Special immigration procedures:      

○ Those subject to the special procedure at the airport must undergo fever testing and have their special quarantine declaration inspected. Their address, or place of residence and contact information must also be checked.      

○ As for the inbound travelers, they are also mandated to install mobile "self-diagnosis app" and submit self-diagnosis results for 14 consecutive days upon arrival. In any event that the results would show that, such travelers or responders have exhibited apparent signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 infection for 2 consecutive days, such cases must be referred to the health centers immediately, which will then perform clinical assessment and other related procedures to check and determine if they (travelers or responders) are suspected to have acquired the deadly virus or needs further tests.

 □ Affected countries:   
 

China (as of February 4 and onwards), Hong Kong, Macau (as of February 12 and onwards), Japan (as of March 9 and onwards), Iran (as of March 12 and on-wards), 27 EU countries, 26 Schengen countries, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City (as of March 17 and onwards). The same applies to people transiting through these affected countries.

Other countries may have travel restrictions on people visiting or from Korea. Please consult with the health authorities at the place of your departure for advice on the current restrictions.

We shall remain at your disposal for any additional questions regarding the above, and about our efforts to maintain the stability and efficiency of the KCAB INTERNATIONAL cases, with the view to minimize the disruptions and discomfort caused by the COVID-19.

 
Best wishes from all of us at KCAB INTERNATIONAL.