South Korea will require travelers to get tested for COVID-19 before their 14-day quarantine upon entry ends.

This comes after a new strain of the virus initially discovered in Britain, which is believed to be about 70 percent more contagious, has been confirmed to have entered the country.

Yoon Tae-ho, a senior Health Ministry official, said on Monday that the government is seeking to have travelers from most countries tested prior to the end of their quarantine, with the exception of those coming from locations with minimal COVID-19 cases.

In response to calls for an outright entry ban for foreigners, the official said relevant ministries are in talks to tighten regulations under the existing entry system, as it is deemed to be effective.

In a bid to prevent the entry of the new strain, the government has suspended since last Wednesday flights traveling to and from London's Heathrow Airport.

Amid reports of another new strain in South Africa, authorities have decided to enhance quarantine and testing for travelers from that country.