First Arrest and Probation for a 60-Year-Old Violating COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Rules

[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 was sentenced to probation.

Judge Park Chang-hee of Criminal Division 12 at the Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced Kim (68), who was charged with violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, to four months in prison with one year of probation.

Judge Park stated, "Despite receiving a 14-day self-quarantine notice, visiting multi-use facilities is a serious offense," but added, "Since he tested negative for COVID-19 and no further transmission occurred, and considering that he admitted to the crime and showed remorse, these factors were taken into account." He further noted, "The fact that this is his first offense and that he had no significant assets upon entry and no suitable place to self-quarantine were also considered."

Earlier, the prosecution requested a six-month prison sentence at the first trial, stating, "The defendant violated quarantine measures despite being a suspected COVID-19 case." Under the current Infectious Disease Prevention Act, violating self-quarantine can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of 10 million won.

Kim, who entered the country from the United States on April 10, did not comply with the quarantine measures and wandered around the Songpa District in Seoul the next day before being sent home by the police. However, even after returning home, Kim visited a sauna and restaurants, was arrested by the police, and was eventually indicted in custody. The court issued an arrest warrant for Kim, marking the first time such a warrant was issued for violating self-quarantine measures.

Meanwhile, prior to this ruling, on May 26 in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, a self-quarantine violator received the first prison sentence. Judge Jung Eun-young of Criminal Division 9 at the Uijeongbu District Court sentenced another Kim (27), charged with violating the Infectious Disease Prevention Act, to four months in prison.

Judge Jung stated, "Although the defendant has no prior criminal record, the offense period was long and repeated, indicating a serious nature."

Kim was classified as a self-quarantine subject after a COVID-19 cluster infection occurred at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, where he was hospitalized in April. Two days before his quarantine was to be lifted, he left his home in Uijeongbu without permission and was apprehended by the police.

After being caught, Kim was quarantined at a temporary shelter in Yangju and tested for COVID-19, receiving a negative result. However, he left the quarantine facility without permission, was caught again, and indicted in custody.

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