Going to Work and Shopping During Self-Quarantine... Confirmed Cases Leaving Isolation Worry Citizens

Crimes Committed During Self-Quarantine
Some Citizens Demand "Strict Punishment for Violators"
Experts Call for "Accurate Statistics on Quarantined Individuals"

On the 6th, when the government ended 'social distancing' to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and shifted to 'everyday quarantine,' office workers near Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul, were seen wearing masks on their way to work. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] There continues to be cases of quarantined individuals violating self-isolation rules and leaving their designated locations without permission. Despite being isolated due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), these individuals continue their daily activities such as shopping and going to work. Although the government has strengthened penalties for those who violate quarantine, the situation remains unchanged. Experts emphasize the need for accurate statistical data on these individuals to prepare for any eventualities.

Cases of people ordered to self-isolate leaving without authorization are ongoing. On the 7th, the Suncheon Police Station in Jeollanam-do reported that three individuals, including members of Shincheonji, were booked without detention. These individuals were tested at the local health center in March and received negative results, after which they were ordered to self-isolate. However, while quarantining at home, they left without permission and went to work for periods ranging from one to four days.

There have also been cases where quarantine violators committed crimes. On the 6th, overseas entrant Mr. A was caught by police after stealing a credit card and drinking at a karaoke bar.

He had entered the country from the United States on the 29th of last month and left his home during self-isolation to commit the crime. Notably, Mr. A used two mobile phones, but only one was reported to health authorities.

As violations of self-isolation rules increased, the government significantly strengthened penalties. Previously, breaking quarantine rules or providing false statements about movement could result in fines up to 3 million KRW, but since the 6th of last month, penalties have increased to imprisonment of up to one year or fines up to 10 million KRW.

Nevertheless, quarantine violators continue to be caught. On the 29th of last month, five individuals who left self-isolation were detected. Among them, one person was caught purchasing shoes at a large supermarket after leaving their phone with the quarantine app installed at home.

There were also violators caught during surprise inspections while going to a plastic surgery clinic. Others were caught by dedicated officials while going to hardware stores or visiting relatives and obstetrics clinics during unannounced checks.

On the morning of the 6th, when the COVID-19 quarantine system shifted to 'social distancing in daily life,' citizens wearing masks were moving to transfer trains at Sindorim Station on Subway Line 1 in Guro-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Given this situation, calls for strict punishment of self-isolation violators are growing louder. The concern is that if people continue to break quarantine rules, the risk of further infections will increase.

Office worker Kim (25) also expressed concern about quarantine violators. Kim said, "It seems like COVID-19 has subsided compared to before. But at times like this, we need to be more prepared, and the continuous cases of violators make me uneasy. The whole nation has worked hard on prevention, but I worry that selfish individuals might cause us to revert to the previous situation."

Office worker Lee (28) said, "One moment of carelessness can cause harm to everyone. We need to be very cautious. Those in quarantine must be having a hard time, but I hope they consider others during the isolation period."

Experts stress the need for accurate statistical data on those in self-isolation. Professor Kim Wooju, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "In countries like the UK, even if prevention is not perfect, detailed statistics are available. Because they keep thorough statistics, the UK sometimes reports high death numbers. We also need accurate statistics. We need to know how many people are in self-isolation and how many of them violate it. This will allow us to predict and prepare for future situations."

Regarding the punishment of those in self-isolation, he said, "Since this is an unprecedented situation, I agree that strict management for the public good is necessary. However, there is no discussion about human rights. At the very least, privacy must be protected."

He added, "Disclosure of personal information such as confirmed patients' movement paths should be avoided. It is important to provide only the information necessary for prevention."

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