New South Wales, Australia, "6 Months Imprisonment for Leaving Home Without Reason"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The New South Wales (NSW) state government in Australia has issued a public health order that allows for up to six months imprisonment for residents found outdoors without a valid reason, in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to the Australian daily Sydney Morning Herald on the 31st (local time), the NSW government announced that residents who are outdoors without legitimate reasons such as purchasing essential goods, jobs that cannot be done remotely, exercise, medical care, or nursing will face either six months imprisonment or a fine of 11,000 Australian dollars (approximately 8.3 million KRW). For repeated violations, a daily fine of 5,500 Australian dollars (approximately 4.15 million KRW) will be imposed starting the day after the first offense.

Corporations violating the public health order will be fined 55,000 Australian dollars, and if violations continue, a daily fine of 27,500 Australian dollars will be applied from the following day. Exceptions are recognized for weddings, funerals, moving, blood donation, fulfilling legal responsibilities, using public services, domestic violence support, family meetings, and religious duties by clergy. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian emphasized, "People should refrain from leaving their homes except for legally permitted purposes," and added, "If everything can be handled inside the home, do not leave."

The reason for implementing such a strong health order is the rapid spread of COVID-19 within NSW. The state reported 2,031 confirmed cases as of the previous day, accounting for about half of Australia's total confirmed cases. On the morning of the 31st, the Australian federal government announced a total of 4,359 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 18 deaths reported.