Applications for Living and Vacation Expenses for COVID-19 Isolates Open from the 17th

A notice prohibiting visits and controlling access is posted at the main building of Seoul National University Hospital. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The government announced on the 15th that it will begin accepting applications for living support expenses and paid leave expenses for those hospitalized or quarantined due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) starting from the 17th.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the same day, if a person is hospitalized or quarantined for 14 days or more due to COVID-19, they can apply for living expenses at the local administrative office of their registered residence. For a family of four, 1.23 million KRW will be provided. Kim Kang-rip, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, explained, "Living support expenses are provided to those hospitalized or quarantined in accordance with the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, who have faithfully complied with the measures of the quarantine authorities." The criteria are judged based on the self-quarantine rules presented by the quarantine authorities.

The government also supports paid leave expenses for employers who provide paid leave to workers who are hospitalized or quarantined. Applications can be submitted at the nearest National Pension Service branch. The amount is based on the daily wage of the respective worker. The daily maximum amount is 130,000 KRW. However, living support expenses and paid leave expenses are not provided simultaneously.

The government stated that it plans to promptly disburse living support expenses and paid leave expenses as soon as the related budget, including contingency funds, is allocated. Deputy Head Kim urged, "Those undergoing self-quarantine or hospitalization quarantine should strictly follow the quarantine rules and responsibly manage themselves for the safety of themselves, their families, and our society."