Government: "Ansim Band Applied Only to Self-Quarantine Violators" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 11th, the government decided to apply the use of electronic wristbands (Safe Bands) only to those who violate self-quarantine guidelines.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, explained the background of the application at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the same day, saying, "Recently, the number of self-quarantine subjects due to overseas arrivals has significantly increased, and cases of unauthorized departure and re-entry during self-quarantine have occurred, raising the need to strengthen the management of self-quarantined individuals."

The official name of the electronic wristband is the Safe Band. It is linked and operated with the Self-Quarantine Safety Protection app installed on mobile phones via Bluetooth, and if the wearer moves beyond a certain distance or damages/cuts the Safe Band, it automatically notifies the dedicated manager.

The Safe Band is to be worn by those who violate self-quarantine guidelines, such as unauthorized departure or failure to answer confirmation calls. Yoon, the head of the quarantine team, explained, "When a significant violation is detected, the individual will be immediately reported, and with their consent, they will wear the Safe Band for the remaining self-quarantine period."

Since there is insufficient legal basis to enforce the wearing of the Safe Band, officials will provide a thorough explanation of the violation details and punishment regulations before obtaining consent.

Yoon emphasized, "After a preparation period for the production of the Safe Band and the Self-Quarantine Safety Protection app, it is scheduled to be implemented within two weeks," adding, "We will strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy for violations of self-quarantine guidelines."

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