Temporary Living Facility in Yeongjongdo: 20s Korean-American Faces Forced Deportation for Unauthorized Departure

Apprehended by Police Within 10 Minutes of Unauthorized Departure and Re-Quarantined

In May, Incheon Airport Overseas Arrivals Exclusive Waiting Area (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] A Korean-American who left a temporary living facility on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, set up for overseas arrivals under the special entry procedures for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), was caught by the police within about 10 minutes and re-quarantined.

According to the police on the 21st, a man in his 20s with U.S. nationality, Mr. A, who was quarantined at a hotel on Yeongjong Island, Jung-gu, Incheon, designated as a temporary living facility by quarantine authorities, left the hotel at around 10:10 p.m. on the 20th. Mr. A bought cigarettes at a convenience store about 100 meters away from the hotel, and was found on the road by police officers working at the temporary living facility within about 10 minutes after a resident suspected of unauthorized departure reported him, and was transported back to the hotel.

Mr. A, who entered the country through Incheon International Airport on the 20th, was admitted to the temporary living facility at around 7:45 p.m. on the same day. He is known to have tested negative in the COVID-19 specimen test.

The temporary living facility is a place where foreign arrivals without symptoms and staying in Korea for a short term stay for two weeks in self-quarantine. Unauthorized departure from this facility results in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and foreigners are subject to deportation.

The police believe Mr. A exited through an emergency exit rather than the hotel entrance where police officers were stationed, and are considering deportation measures against him.

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