30s Woman Sentenced to Prison for Hiding COVID-19 Symptoms and Entering China

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A woman in her 30s from China who concealed symptoms of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and entered China from the United States has been sentenced to prison.

According to the state-run Global Times on the 27th, the People's Court of Shunyi District, Beijing, sentenced Li Mo (37), who boarded a flight from the U.S. to Beijing last March while hiding COVID-19 symptoms, to one year in prison with a one-year suspended sentence.

Li, an employee of an American company, had COVID-19 symptoms while staying in the U.S., but after taking anti-inflammatory medication, boarded the plane without disclosing her symptoms and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Subsequently, Li was confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, and 63 passengers who boarded the plane with her were placed under quarantine.

The court stated, "Li violated China's customs and civil aviation epidemic prevention regulations," and added, "There is a serious risk of spreading COVID-19 infection."