[Q&A] "Measures for Voting by Self-Quarantined Individuals Including Separation of Movement and Time Slots Under Preparation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government has decided to take legal action against an American student who concealed symptoms by taking antipyretics and passed quarantine.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held at the government Sejong Government Complex on the 10th, "It is judged that the health status questionnaire submitted at the time of entry was deliberately falsified as 'no symptoms,' and the Incheon Airport Quarantine Station plans to file a complaint."

The student entered through Incheon Airport on the 25th of last month, passed quarantine, and was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the following day, the 26th. Although he had suspected COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, sputum, and muscle pain since the 23rd of the same month, he took antipyretics and passed quarantine during departure from the U.S. and entry into Korea.

The government explained that since the student did not properly disclose suspected symptoms, this constitutes a violation of the Quarantine Act. Coordinator Kim said, "At that time, as a subject of special entry procedures, there was an obligation to fill out the health status questionnaire and conduct quarantine investigations and diagnostic tests based on it."

He added, "Cases of hiding symptoms by taking antipyretics and passing quarantine are selfish and irresponsible actions that spread the risk of infection to people who boarded the same plane and those who may come into contact during subsequent movements," emphasizing, "Please keep in mind that this is not only a violation of the Quarantine Act but also an act that threatens the safety of the community."

◇The following is a Q&A with Coordinator Kim regarding overseas inflow

- Family transmission accounts for 60% of secondary infections from overseas inflow. What measures are in place to prevent family transmission?

▲ Currently, some local governments are negotiating with local accommodation facilities to allow families of self-quarantined individuals to stay at discounted rates, and these measures are being implemented. The government will also review whether such support should be generally introduced.

- Have there been any actual cases of punishment for violating self-quarantine rules and causing secondary transmission within households?

▲ So far, there have been no confirmed cases of punishment for violations related to family transmission.

- Has a plan been prepared for self-quarantined individuals to participate in the general election voting?

▲ Their movement routes and times will be separated from general voters, and various infection prevention measures will be implemented. After finalizing specific details through consultations and meetings, we will announce the details at a briefing on the 12th.