"Too Scared to Speak"‥ False Statements in COVID-19 Epidemiological Investigation by Woman in Her 60s

Related additional confirmed cases, including 9 people from other regions
City, "Considering claims for damages based on the zero-tolerance principle"

Donghae City, Intensive Disinfection of Exhibition Facilities Photo [Provided by Donghae City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] A woman in her 60s in Donghae City, Gangwon Province, was caught by health authorities for making false statements during a COVID-19 epidemiological investigation.

Donghae City announced on the 18th, "We have reported Ms. A to the police for violating the 'Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act' due to false statements and intentionally hiding facts during the COVID-19 epidemiological investigation."

While the city had previously reported cases for violating self-quarantine, this is the first case reported for obstructing an epidemiological investigation.

According to the city’s health authorities, Ms. A stated during the epidemiological investigation, "I stayed only at home and had no close contact with others."

However, additional epidemiological investigations using closed-circuit television (CCTV), visitor logs, and contactee testimonies revealed that Ms. A’s statements were false.

Ms. A reportedly explained during the health authority’s investigation that "I was scared and did not speak."

There are nine confirmed cases related to Ms. A, including individuals from other regions, and it has been confirmed that Ms. A’s spouse is also among them.

The city stated, "Ms. A’s false statements and intentional omission or concealment of facts caused delays in classifying contacts and confusion in identifying the infection source, resulting in additional confirmed cases and damage to quarantine efforts."

The city is considering claiming damages against Ms. A based on a zero-tolerance policy.

Deputy Mayor Kim Do-kyung said, "Since this is a critical issue concerning citizens’ right to life, we will strictly respond to illegal acts that obstruct COVID-19 quarantine activities in accordance with the principles."

Meanwhile, as of the 17th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Donghae City is 357, with 17 currently undergoing treatment. Six people have been reported for violating quarantine rules, including five who breached self-quarantine.