"'New Coronavirus' Self-Quarantine Lacks Enforcement... Final Test Not Conducted, Highlighting Loopholes"

On the 31st of last month, four symptomatic individuals among the overseas Koreans around Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, the origin of the novel coronavirus infection, were transferred to the isolation facility at Chung-Ang University Hospital after returning on a chartered flight. A notice is posted at the hospital entrance. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] As the 18th confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) has occurred in South Korea, concerns have been raised that there is a limit to management and supervision due to the lack of enforceability in self-quarantine measures for contacts of confirmed patients.

A, who was placed under self-quarantine after contact with a confirmed novel coronavirus patient, stated in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 5th, "Since the quarantine is not mandatory, it is true that if the patient decides, they can leave at any time."

A pointed out, "The health center checked symptoms and temperature, but since they judged that my probability of infection was low, there was no final test to confirm negativity," adding, "I think there are loopholes in these two aspects."

He said, "After five days from contact with the confirmed patient, the patient's movement path was identified, and the health center contacted me saying, 'It would be good if you start self-quarantine,'" and added, "They first notified me by phone and after sending me home, the health center staff visited my house directly."

He continued, "I understand that once self-quarantine is ordered, you must return home regardless of whether you are at work or elsewhere," and said, "I received an official document stating that failure to comply could result in criminal penalties, so that is what I understand."

When asked by the host how the management of going out is conducted, A replied, "The health center should provide hygiene kits such as disinfectants, masks, and thermometers to the infected person," and added, "I had no intention of going out, but since they come unannounced, there is anxiety about when they might arrive."

He further explained, "I think they came about four times in a week," and said, "An official notice was issued stating that if the house is empty during the health authorities' visit, a fine of up to 3 million won will be imposed."

He also said, "In unavoidable cases, the health center asks to be contacted. I understand that movement is possible after discussion and permission from the health center," and added, "There is no accompaniment; I understand that the person goes out alone."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.