[Q&A] "Entry Denied if Self-Quarantine App Not Installed"

On the 19th, when the government expanded the special entry procedures to all incoming travelers worldwide to prevent the influx of COVID-19, passengers arriving on a passenger flight from Frankfurt, Germany, at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport underwent the special entry procedures. 2020.03.19 Photo by Airport Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government announced that it will immediately file charges against overseas arrivals subject to self-quarantine if they leave quarantine without permission.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, stated at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the morning of the 26th, "To prevent the spread of community infections caused by overseas arrivals from Europe and other regions, we will strengthen management of those subject to self-quarantine among overseas arrivals."

For those who leave quarantine without permission, the police will apply 'Code Zero' for emergency dispatch and take corresponding measures. Foreigners who leave quarantine without permission will be subject to deportation, and domestic nationals will not receive self-quarantine living support payments.

The government plans to open the 'Safe Report' system and local government reporting centers to encourage residents to report unauthorized quarantine departures.

◇Below is a Q&A with Director Yoon regarding unauthorized self-quarantine departures

- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said today, "Self-quarantined individuals must never go to supermarkets or enter restaurants." What measures will be taken to strengthen effectiveness?

▲ From now on, those subject to self-quarantine must install the safety protection app to be granted entry permission. Reports of unauthorized departures can be made through Safe Report and other channels, and self-quarantine violation reporting centers will be opened in all local governments.

Unauthorized departures will be dealt with under a zero-tolerance policy. Foreigners who violate quarantine will be deported. Domestic nationals who have faithfully completed 14 days of self-quarantine receive 1.23 million KRW in living support for a family of four, but this payment will be withheld if they violate quarantine. Additionally, the police will apply Code Zero to unauthorized departures.

- Prime Minister Chung said, "Violations of self-quarantine without justifiable reasons will be reported." What constitutes a justifiable reason?

▲ Rather than giving specific examples, if it is judged to be a clear falsehood or mistake, measures will be taken according to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and related laws.

- How many cases of self-quarantine violations have there been among domestic and foreign nationals respectively?

▲ From the 13th to the 24th, there were a total of 11 cases. However, no distinction is made between domestic and foreign nationals. These 11 cases were detected only through the self-quarantine app and do not include cases detected independently by local governments.

- The self-quarantine violation reporting centers will also be opened. What exactly will their role be?

▲ The reporting locations will be local governments. Depending on the circumstances, the reporting center may be a civil affairs department, a health department, or a quarantine department. When a report of a self-quarantine violation is received, the department where the reporting center is established will accept the report and take appropriate action.