Leaving without permission while leaving a mobile phone as if in self-quarantine... Donghae City Plans to File Charges
[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] A woman in her 30s who left her quarantine location without permission with her child during the self-quarantine period in Donghae City, Gangwon Province, was caught by the quarantine authorities.
According to the Donghae City quarantine authorities on the 6th, Ms. A, who entered the country from overseas and was under self-quarantine on the 22nd of last month, left the quarantine location without permission by car for about two hours from around 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd, during the self-quarantine period, with her child.
The responsible official checked Ms. A’s mobile phone inactivity status through the self-quarantine management application and tried to contact her, but she did not answer the phone. The official then visited the quarantine location in person and confirmed Ms. A’s unauthorized departure.
As a result of the investigation, it was revealed that Ms. A left the quarantine location while leaving only her mobile phone behind as if she was staying there.
Ms. A stated, "After leaving the quarantine location, there was no contact with anyone other than the passenger." However, the quarantine authorities judged that Ms. A deliberately violated the quarantine rules.
The city applied the "One Strike Out" policy for Ms. A’s unauthorized departure from the quarantine location, filed a complaint against her, and gave guidance to her preschool-aged child who was in the vehicle. The test result was confirmed negative.
Meanwhile, the city quarantine authorities have filed complaints against six people who left self-quarantine without permission for violating quarantine rules.
Those who leave self-quarantine without permission face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won, and are excluded from benefits such as paid leave, living support expenses provided during self-quarantine, and disaster relief funds.
Additionally, if unauthorized departure causes infection to others, compensation claims will also be imposed.
Kwon Soon-chan, the city safety director, urged, "For the safety of citizens, please strictly follow the quarantine rules until the quarantine is lifted."
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