"Visiting Father in Hospital Likely Last Time" 30s Fined 1.5 Million Won for Violating Self-Quarantine

A man in his 30s was fined for violating self-quarantine guidelines by visiting his hospitalized father. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] A woman in her 30s was fined for violating self-quarantine guidelines after visiting her hospitalized father who was critically ill.

On the 1st, the Cheongju District Court sentenced A (33, female), who was charged with violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, to a fine of 1.5 million won. The court acknowledged the social risk of COVID-19 but found there were mitigating circumstances.

On April 25th last year, at around 3:20 PM, A left her self-quarantine location for two hours. The next day, Cheongju City reported A to the police for violating COVID-19 self-quarantine guidelines.

A had entered South Korea through Incheon Airport from the United States on April 8th last year and was under a two-week self-quarantine order at her residence in Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk. However, she violated the self-quarantine rules by using a private car to visit a hospital in Cheongju to see her father.

It was reported that A visited her father after hearing that he was critically ill, possibly for a final visit.

A health official from the Sangdang Public Health Center in Cheongju, who reported A to the police, stated, "The hospital reported the quarantine breach, which was then confirmed. Although it was distressing, we had no choice but to report it according to regulations."

A’s father reportedly passed away a few days after meeting her.

The court explained the sentencing, saying, "Violating related laws during the serious period of COVID-19 spread carries significant social risk and is not a minor offense. However, there are mitigating circumstances considering the reason for visiting the hospital was to say what might have been a final farewell to a father critically ill with cancer."