Obstruction of Epidemiological Investigation and Violation of Quarantine Measures 'Heavier Punishment'... Fines for Queue Jumping Vaccinations (Update)

Amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act

On the morning of the 27th, COVID-19 medical staff who received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are waiting in the observation room at the Central Vaccination Center of the National Medical Center in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] It has become possible to claim damages against those who intentionally or through gross negligence violate infectious disease prevention and quarantine measures, thereby spreading infectious diseases or increasing the risk of their spread. Fines can also be imposed for receiving vaccinations through fraudulent means.

On the 6th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that under the revised Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, those who obstruct epidemiological investigations can face up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won. Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing that "With the revision of the law, it is now possible to claim damages from individuals who violate infectious disease prevention or quarantine measures and increase the risk of disease spread. The authority to order suspension or closure of places or facilities that violate quarantine guidelines will also be expanded. This law will be promulgated on the 9th and immediately enforced, considering the seriousness of the COVID-19 infection situation."

Specifically, the Minister of Health and Welfare, the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and heads of local governments can now claim damages for costs incurred due to individuals who increase the risk of infectious disease spread by violating prevention and quarantine measures. This includes expenses such as hospitalization and treatment fees, quarantine costs, diagnostic test fees, and compensation for losses used for infectious disease prevention and control.

Additionally, if a specific organization obstructs epidemiological investigations in an organized and planned manner or violates hospitalization or quarantine measures to spread infectious diseases, the penalty can be increased up to half of the prescribed punishment for the crime. Accordingly, obstruction of epidemiological investigations can result in up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won. Violations of hospitalization or quarantine measures can lead to imprisonment of up to one year and six months or a fine of up to 15 million won.

The authority to order suspension or closure of places or facilities that violate quarantine guidelines has been expanded from the current mayors, county governors, and district heads to provincial governors. Failure to comply with closure orders without justifiable reasons can result in imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Furthermore, fines will be imposed for "queue-jumping vaccinations" and similar acts. It is prohibited for individuals not eligible for vaccination to receive vaccinations through fraudulent means, and those who do so can be fined up to 2 million won.

In cases where it is judged difficult to respond to a pandemic with existing vaccines or medicines, a new provision has been established to allow advance purchase and contracting for vaccines under development and necessary supplies. Public officials who perform contract-related duties without intentional or gross negligence will not be held responsible for the outcomes of such processes.