Jeon Byeong-yul "Difficult to manage 37,000 self-quarantined individuals... Considering 'electronic bracelet' use"

On the morning of the 6th, arriving passengers waiting for the bus are sitting apart at Terminal 1 arrival hall of Incheon International Airport. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Jeon Byeong-yul, former director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and professor at CHA University, stated that although the government is recommending strict social distancing measures amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), cooperation from some citizens is weakening. He argued, "If necessary, regulatory measures such as electronic anklets should be introduced."

On the 6th, Professor Jeon appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and suggested, "So far, we have entrusted self-quarantine measures to the responsibility of individual citizens, but if situations like Vietnamese students in Gunsan leaving their phones in their rooms and going for walks repeat, other regulatory measures need to be introduced."

He continued, "Currently, overseas countries are implementing systems where people wear electronic bracelets that trigger an alarm and automatically notify responsible staff and officials if they leave a restricted area," adding, "Taiwan is already promoting this, and Hong Kong requires all incoming travelers to wear location-tracking wristbands."

Professor Jeon emphasized, "Until now, quarantine activities have been conducted from a human rights perspective, but as the number of self-quarantined individuals has increased to about 37,000, if it becomes difficult for officials and individuals to monitor or be aware of them, I think it is a situation where these methods should be considered for introduction."

Regarding concerns about human rights issues, he responded, "It's similar to wearing a smartwatch," and said, "If people do not perceive it as an electronic anklet, it could have a significant effect. There is a social perception that patients or those under quarantine might be seen as criminals, so there are cautious aspects to consider."

He also stated, "Our citizens have cooperated well despite difficult circumstances since January 20, and Korea is recognized globally as an excellent quarantine country. At this point, it is extremely important to continue demonstrating that cooperative spirit for a while longer," and added, "I would like to ask our citizens to have a little more patience and actively cooperate with social distancing measures."

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