Taiwan Imposes 68 Million KRW Fine on Family Violating COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Rules

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] A family in Taiwan was fined 68 million KRW for violating the self-quarantine regulations related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to local media on the 15th, the Health Bureau of the Keelung City Government in northern Taiwan imposed fines of 1 million TWD (approximately 40 million KRW) and 700,000 TWD (approximately 28 million KRW) on a grandmother in her 60s and her daughter-in-law, respectively, for violating self-quarantine rules.

The grandmother, who returned from the United States on the 19th of last month and was placed under self-quarantine, underwent a COVID-19 test at a local hospital on the 21st due to symptoms such as fever and sore throat. However, ignoring the Health Bureau’s advice, she took a taxi with her daughter-in-law and two grandchildren to visit another hospital in Taipei City.

Subsequently, the grandmother was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on the 24th of the same month, and her husband was also diagnosed positive two days later. The daughter-in-law, two grandchildren who shared the taxi, and the taxi driver all tested negative.

The Keelung City Health Bureau has reportedly already sent an administrative penalty notice imposing the 68 million KRW fine. The grandmother and daughter-in-law must pay the fine within seven days of receiving the notice, and if they object, they may file an appeal within 30 days.

In response, the grandmother, through her lawyer, expressed her grievance, stating that despite worsening pain due to persistent coughing, the Health Bureau insisted she stay at home, leaving her no choice but to use a COVID-19 dedicated taxi for transportation.

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