Establishing Grounds for Rapid Mobilization of Medical Resources in Preparation for COVID-19 Resurgence

On the 16th, when midsummer heat around 30 degrees Celsius was intense, a notice restricting entry to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was posted at Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The government has decided to establish a legal basis to more quickly gather and allocate medical resources, such as designating dedicated hospitals and appropriately deploying medical personnel, in the event of outbreaks of infectious diseases including the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the future.

Yoon Tae-ho, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' COVID-19 Prevention Team, explained the proposed amendments to the "Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act" during a back briefing on the 16th. Yoon said, "To enhance the effectiveness of quarantine measures and prepare for a resurgence in the fall, institutional efforts are needed to better establish daily quarantine practices in reality," adding, "There are amendment bills proposed by lawmakers through private member bills as well as those under government review."

Since the parliamentary standing committee has just been formed, there may be additions, revisions, or omissions during the upcoming discussions, but the overall framework is to establish a legal basis for the rapid mobilization and allocation of quarantine resources in the event of an infectious disease crisis. Currently, the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act provides grounds for the Minister of Health and Welfare or local government heads such as mayors and governors to take various measures at the local government level, but the specifics are insufficient. For example, although dedicated infectious disease hospitals or residential treatment centers have been designated and patients treated according to their movement trends, there are no specific provisions explicitly stating this. Considering these points, the law will be amended.

Furthermore, while various daily quarantine rules can be established, there have been continuous criticisms that the lack or weakness of penalty provisions for violations reduces their effectiveness. Taking this into account, the amendment bill will include such provisions. Regarding penalties, there are clauses imposing fines, but fines require judicial procedures and take a long time. Yoon said, "We are discussing designating high-risk facilities for infectious diseases and imposing administrative fines, in addition to fines, not only on business owners but also on users who do not comply."

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