From the 5th, Violating Self-Quarantine May Result in 'Up to 1 Year Imprisonment or a Fine of 10 Million Won'

The photo shows Terminal 1 Transportation Center at Incheon International Airport on the 1st, when the mandatory 2-week self-quarantine for all incoming travelers from abroad began. A notice restricting the use of the airport railroad by overseas arrivals to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is installed. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] From the 5th, penalties for violating self-quarantine rules related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been significantly strengthened.

According to the amendment of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Infectious Disease Prevention Act), those who violate the quarantine or hospitalization guidelines set by the quarantine authorities will be subject to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

This is a higher level of punishment compared to the previous regulation, which imposed fines of up to 3 million won.

Those subject to quarantine as determined by the authorities include people with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, those tested at screening clinics, and those who have come into contact with confirmed cases.

Since the 1st, all foreigners and nationals entering from overseas are also subject to a two-week quarantine after entry.

Accordingly, as of the 2nd, about 27,000 people nationwide are under self-quarantine. Among them, about 20,000 are quarantined after entering from overseas.

Amid recent cases of people violating guidelines by going out and being caught by authorities, the authorities have established a policy to strictly punish violators according to regulations.

In Gunsan, Jeonbuk, on the 3rd, three Vietnamese international students were caught during a telephone check by authorities after leaving their self-quarantine location without their mobile phones.

In Busan, a woman in her 50s who was notified to self-quarantine after contact with a confirmed case violated the guidelines by leaving her home to walk in a park and was caught during crackdowns by the police and local government.

The government has repeatedly emphasized the principle of 'zero tolerance' and has stated its intention to strongly punish those who violate self-quarantine rules.

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