[Q&A] "Strict Punishment for Passing Quarantine After Taking Antipyretics"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyun-ui Cho] In response to the recent cases of false statements made during quarantine procedures, the government warned on the 5th that "such actions may be subject to punishment."

On the afternoon of the same day, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "If false documents are submitted during the quarantine investigation process, it constitutes a violation of the Quarantine Act and may result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won."

Deputy Director Kwon emphasized, "Voluntary reporting of facts and early testing are important for oneself, family, and the community," and urged cooperation with quarantine and disease control measures.

Meanwhile, if overseas entrants fail to comply with quarantine regulations, they may face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Foreigners may be subject to deportation or entry bans under the Immigration Control Act, so strict adherence to quarantine rules is required.

◇Below is a Q&A with Deputy Director Kwon

- Is there any supplementary measure since overseas entrants taking antipyretics are not detected during quarantine?

▲ We plan to take measures to ensure strict punishment according to relevant laws. Taking antipyretics before entering poses a significant risk not only before and after boarding but also during transit and self-quarantine after arrival. If it becomes a pretext for unknown transmission chains, uncontrolled spread will inevitably increase. This behavior harms patients who have been hospitalized for a long time in medical or social welfare facilities. Passing quarantine while taking antipyretics is a highly illegal and wrongful act that causes enormous health damage.

- With the strengthening of penalties for violating self-quarantine starting today, will the management methods also change as the severity of punishment increases?

▲ Similar to violations of the Quarantine Act, practical penalties under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act related to self-quarantine have been strengthened. This is a tougher punishment reflecting the will of the people gathered by the National Assembly last time. Those subject to self-quarantine must be vigilant and strictly comply with the strengthened law. Since transmission often occurs to people living together during self-quarantine, extra caution is necessary.

- How will the extended two-week social distancing be enforced effectively?

▲ Considering the cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 and related phenomena, the majority of the public is participating in strong social distancing. Of course, there are very few exceptions as seen in some media reports or local government administrative guidance, but most people are actively participating. We will continue strong social distancing and additionally designate one clear quarantine officer responsible for disease control at each institution or facility as part of the measures.