Police Refer 6 for Violating Self-Quarantine Measures... 'Code 0' Rapid Response for Unauthorized Departure

39 People Violating Quarantine Under Investigation
"Strict Response to Serious Illegal Acts That May Cause Infection Spread"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Amid a series of cases violating the self-quarantine measures imposed by health authorities related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the police have reiterated their determination to strictly prosecute violators.

The National Police Agency stated on the 1st, "Cases of leaving quarantine locations continue to occur, raising concerns about the spread of infection and causing national losses due to additional quarantine measures."

As of today, the police have launched investigations into 45 individuals who violated quarantine orders, among whom 6 have been referred to prosecution with a recommendation for indictment. In Seoul, a suspect who violated self-quarantine measures twice without permission after contact with a confirmed case was sent to the prosecution, and in Gwangju, a suspect who escaped from a hospital negative pressure isolation room as a suspected patient without a doctor's permission was also booked.

The police plan to strictly respond by classifying acts such as ▲ unauthorized departure from quarantine locations and ▲ refusal of quarantine measures as serious illegal acts that threaten public health and undermine social trust. In cases of unauthorized departure, a 'Code 0'?applied to serious crimes?will be assigned for rapid dispatch, and the individual's whereabouts will be confirmed for re-quarantine. If acts such as assaulting public officials in charge while refusing quarantine measures occur, charges of obstruction of official duties will also be applied.

According to the amendment of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, from the 5th of this month, penalties for violating quarantine measures will be increased to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won. A police official said, "We ask for active cooperation with the health authorities' quarantine measures."

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