8 Unauthorized Quarantine Breaches in 8 Days... Bucheon City Files Charges Against Man in His 50s

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] A man in his 50s who was under self-quarantine related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, was reported to the police for leaving quarantine without permission 11 times.

Bucheon City announced on the 9th that it reported A (51, male), a resident of Sosabon-dong, to the police on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.

A was quarantined at home from the 12th of last month due to concerns about COVID-19 infection as a family member of a confirmed case related to Saengmyeongsu Church. The self-quarantine period was extended until the 9th due to additional confirmed cases among his family members.

However, on the previous morning, he went out and was spotted by a resident, who reported it to the quarantine authorities, who then caught him. Analysis of CCTV footage within his residence showed that he went out 11 times from the 1st to the 8th of this month, violating self-quarantine rules.

On the same day around 2 p.m., while confirming the facts through a phone call with A, the city realized that he was not at home and repeatedly requested him to return home.

However, as A refused to comply and avoided answering calls, violating self-quarantine regulations, the city, with police cooperation, tracked his GPS and confirmed that he was moving from Geomdan to Geomam-dong in Incheon.

The city requested dispatch to Sosaji District Police Station in preparation for any situation, and A returned home around 3:35 p.m. An hour later, he was transported by a health center ambulance to a screening clinic and underwent a COVID-19 test.

Although A tested negative, Bucheon City reported him to the police, considering that he could have caused infection to other citizens. This is the first case in Bucheon where a self-quarantined person was reported for unauthorized departure.

A may face up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won under the strengthened Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.