'Unauthorized Quarantine Violation' 60s Arrested...Court States, "Considering the Severity of the Violation, Detention is Justified"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A man in his 60s who violated self-quarantine measures related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) by visiting a sauna and other places has been detained.

On the 14th, Kwon Deok-jin, the chief judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Eastern District Court, held a pre-arrest hearing (warrant review) for Mr. A (68), who is accused of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, and issued an arrest warrant. This is the first time an arrest warrant has been issued for violating self-quarantine.

This is the first case where an arrest warrant has been issued for violating self-quarantine. According to the revised Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, those who violate the quarantine authorities' hospitalization or isolation guidelines may face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Judge Kwon explained the reason for issuing the warrant, stating, "There are grounds for detention such as having no fixed residence and the risk of flight, and considering the degree of violation in this case, the necessity of detention is also recognized."

Mr. A entered the country from the United States on the 10th and violated self-quarantine the next day by wandering around the Songpa-gu area in Seoul. Around 2 p.m., he was sent home by the police within about 30 minutes. Despite being sent home, Mr. A visited a sauna and a restaurant and was arrested by the police.

Songpa-gu reported Mr. A to the police under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, and the police applied for an arrest warrant on the 13th. However, Mr. A tested negative for COVID-19.

Regarding unauthorized departure from self-quarantine, the Seongdong Police Station is also reviewing the application for an arrest warrant against a woman in her 30s, Ms. B, on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act. Ms. B is reported to have left her phone at home and left between the night of the 10th and early morning of the 11th. The police are tracking the exact time and route of her self-quarantine violation based on CCTV footage and other evidence.

Additionally, the Seongdong Police Station is reviewing whether to apply for an arrest warrant against Ms. B, a woman in her 30s who violated self-quarantine measures by leaving without permission. It is known that Ms. B left her phone at home between the night of the 10th and early morning of the 11th.

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