Prime Minister Jeong: "Strengthening Penalties for Quarantine Guideline Violations... Considering Use of ICT Technology"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced on the 5th regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation, "From today, penalties for violating self-quarantine guidelines will be strengthened to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response at the Government Seoul Office and said, "The majority of self-quarantined individuals faithfully follow the quarantine guidelines as members of the community, but a small minority violate the guidelines, threatening the safety of all and even causing social conflicts. It is most important that self-quarantined individuals recognize the seriousness of the situation and voluntarily cooperate."

Prime Minister Chung added, "We must also hasten to improve the management system," emphasizing, "Related agencies should prepare measures to block deviant behaviors such as going out while leaving their mobile phones behind, and if necessary, consider the use of ICT technology."

He continued, "We will do our best to ensure that medical personnel take pride in their work and can work more safely," and mentioned, "We will strictly manage the entry of suspected patients into medical institutions and strive to provide timely equipment and improve the environment to protect medical staff from sources of infection."

He also urged, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should pay special attention and promote related measures so that medical personnel on the front lines can feel the effects."

Furthermore, he expressed deep condolences, saying, "There was an unfortunate incident where a medical worker in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, who bravely did their best to treat patients despite the risk of infection, passed away."

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