[Q&A] "Self-quarantined individuals expected to increase up to 90,000... Considering introduction of wristbands"

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The government is considering introducing wristbands (electronic bracelets) to prevent unauthorized departures of COVID-19 self-quarantined individuals and to strengthen management.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, said at the regular briefing of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the morning of the 7th, "Most citizens are complying well with self-quarantine, but some cases of departure are occurring," adding, "The government has no choice but to consider various measures to prevent this, and one of them is considering wristbands."

As of the 6th, the government estimates that the number of people subject to self-quarantine, currently 46,566, will increase to between 80,000 and 90,000. Self-quarantined individuals are currently managed through the 'Self-Quarantine App,' which prevents departure by issuing warnings if they leave the quarantine area. However, there have been repeated cases of people leaving without their mobile phones or turning off location information on their phones when going out, raising calls for countermeasures. Yoon added, "We are reviewing measures such as frequent phone call checks, unannounced visits to the homes of self-quarantined individuals, and also considering the use of electronic information such as wristbands."

Below is a Q&A regarding self-quarantined individuals

- How many self-quarantined individuals are there currently, and how many violation cases have occurred?

▲(Lee Byung-chul, Head of the Quarantine Support Team, National Countermeasures Headquarters) As of 6 p.m. on April 6, a total of 46,566 people are under self-quarantine. So far, there have been 67 cases involving 75 people undergoing legal procedures for violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act or the Quarantine Act related to COVID-19. Among them, 6 have been indicted and sent to prosecution.

- How many self-quarantined individuals are expected to increase to?

▲(Lee Byung-chul, Head of the Quarantine Support Team, National Countermeasures Headquarters) Considering the current trend of increasing self-quarantined individuals entering from overseas, the number is expected to rise to about 80,000 to 90,000. Since some will be released from self-quarantine afterward, the number is expected to be maintained around that level. In addition to the public officials dedicated to managing self-quarantined individuals, local governments usually secure about two to three times the number of additional personnel. Even at the maximum increase, we believe there will be no significant difficulties in management.

- Is the government considering mandating the installation of the self-quarantine app for domestically infected self-quarantined individuals as well?

▲(Lee Byung-chul, Head of the Quarantine Support Team, National Countermeasures Headquarters) Currently, almost 100% of overseas entrants install the Self-Quarantine Safety Protection App except in special cases. Entry is denied if they do not install it. On the other hand, the app installation rate for domestically infected self-quarantined individuals is just over 60%, as it is based on consent. We are currently reviewing the possibility of mandating app installation for domestically infected self-quarantined individuals as well.

- The introduction of wristbands for self-quarantined individuals may conflict with the quarantine policy principle centered on openness and transparency, and may raise human rights concerns.

▲ From a quarantine perspective, we are reviewing various measures to manage self-quarantined individuals more effectively and efficiently. We are also seeking ways to harmonize this with existing quarantine policies.