Application of the Zero Tolerance Principle
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 30th that it plans to take legal action against a man in his 40s who left his residence during self-quarantine for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
According to the province, Mr. A reported during a phone call with the dedicated self-quarantine official around 9 a.m. that he was at home.
However, at around 10:20 a.m., a joint unannounced inspection was conducted by the police, health authorities, and dedicated self-quarantine officials to verify the actual self-quarantine status. It was confirmed that Mr. A had left his residence, and immediate measures were taken to have him return.
The province, after verification with Jeju City Western Health Center, is reportedly planning to apply a "zero tolerance policy" and file a complaint against Mr. A.
Previously, Mr. A was classified as a contact after traveling on the same flight as Jeju's 7th confirmed patient and was placed under self-quarantine starting from the 24th.
The province stated that it will strictly warn against violations of the mandatory self-quarantine guidelines and respond strongly to prevent recurrence.
Currently, those notified as contacts of COVID-19 confirmed patients must share their fever and respiratory symptoms twice a day, as well as their quarantine status, according to Article 6 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act and COVID-19 response guidelines.
Violations of this can result in a fine of up to 3 million KRW. In particular, from April 1, violators may face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW.
Meanwhile, as of midnight on the 30th, there are a total of 150 people under self-quarantine in the Jeju area. Among the 484 self-quarantined individuals, including confirmed cases from overseas such as Chinese nationals and Jeju's 9th confirmed patient, 334 have been released from quarantine after the maximum incubation period of 14 days.
The province is also conducting active monitoring and self-quarantine for 90 arrivals from Europe and the United States.
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