Wanju-gun Issues Administrative Order for Diagnostic Testing Compliance at Workplaces Employing Foreign Workers

Requirement for Diagnostic Testing Measures at All Workplaces Employing Foreigners by the End of This Month

[Wanju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho] Wanju-gun is issuing an administrative order requiring diagnostic testing at workplaces before employing foreign workers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On the 20th, Wanju-gun announced that from the 22nd to the 31st of this month, it plans to issue an administrative order requiring employers, including corporations, organizations, and individuals operating workplaces employing foreign workers, to ensure that foreign workers undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing.

The administrative order will take effect from 0:00 on the 22nd, and foreign workers, including undocumented foreigners, must undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing during the order period.

However, foreign workers who have completed vaccination are exempt from the testing obligation.

Wanju-gun stated that undocumented foreigners can also receive free diagnostic testing without visa verification, and there will be no disadvantages related to testing or quarantine for confirmed cases.

Regarding this, Wanju-gun emphasized, "Since the beginning of this month, confirmed cases among foreign workers and international students have been increasing," adding, "Among the 41 confirmed cases in the region over the past three weeks in October, 24 were foreigners, accounting for 59%, highlighting the need for proactive measures to block infectious diseases among foreign workers."

Wanju-gun added that considering the local epidemic trends before preparing for With COVID in November this year, it is mandatory for foreign workers to undergo diagnostic testing (PCR).

According to Article 49 (Preventive Measures for Infectious Diseases) of the current 'Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act,' the governor, mayor, county head, or district head must take measures such as 'health examinations' or other necessary actions to prevent infectious diseases.

Anyone who violates the administrative order to undergo diagnostic testing may be fined up to 2 million won according to relevant laws, and all quarantine costs incurred due to the spread of infection caused by violating the order, including testing, investigation, and treatment, may be claimed for compensation.

Wanju=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho stonepeak@asiae.co.kr