'Guideline Violations' in Religious, Entertainment, and Sports Facilities: Compensation Claims for Confirmed Cases (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government is stepping up focused inspections on facilities with a high risk of mass infections as it strengthens 'social distancing' measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the 22nd, Park Neung-hoo, the first head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), stated at a briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, "We will verify whether each facility and industry is properly complying with the 'Operation Restriction Measures for Facilities at Risk of Mass Infection' (administrative order) that was enacted the previous day."

Earlier, the government had recommended suspending operations for 15 days until the 5th of next month for religious facilities, indoor sports facilities, and entertainment venues, which were classified as having a high risk of infection due to past mass infections or the nature of their workplaces.

Park warned, "If businesses continue to operate without following infectious disease prevention guidelines, we will issue administrative orders prohibiting gatherings and assemblies, and if confirmed cases arise due to guideline violations, we plan to claim compensation for treatment and quarantine costs."

Local governments will begin comprehensive inspections starting today, beginning with religious facilities, and over the next 15 days will conduct full inspections of certain indoor sports facilities such as dance halls, fitness centers, and sports academies, as well as entertainment venues including clubs and pubs.

Central government ministries will also conduct joint inspections of facilities. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Health and Welfare plan to start joint inspections of target facilities and then conduct joint inspections with local governments.

The Ministry of Education will focus on inspecting academies where students and children gather densely and will guide and inspect students' use of multi-use facilities.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will conduct nationwide inspections focusing on indoor sports facilities such as singing rooms and PC bangs.

Park emphasized, "For the successful implementation of the strengthened social distancing over 15 days to reduce the risk level of (COVID-19) and transition to sustainable daily quarantine, public participation is above all essential."

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