Government: "Overseas Arrivals Using Fake Negative Test Certificates Will Be Deported" (Update)

Government: "Imprisonment or fines imposed under Quarantine Act if fake negative test certificates are confirmed"

On April 1, when the mandatory 2-week self-quarantine for all incoming travelers from abroad began, arrivals at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport were registering their names to board the fully equipped special airport buses for overseas arrivals. / Photo by Honam Moon munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Regarding the fact that confirmed COVID-19 cases have been continuously reported among entrants who submitted 'negative test certificates' for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government stated that there has been no confirmation yet of any fake negative test certificates, and if any are found to be counterfeit, strict measures such as deportation will be enforced.

On the 3rd, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, "So far, we have not received any reports that fake negative test certificates have caused problems," adding, "Further verification is needed to determine whether any fake negative test certificates have been detected and what actions have been taken."

He continued, "If submission of fake negative test certificates is confirmed, since it involves providing false documents required for quarantine, under the current Quarantine Act, imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won can be imposed, and separately, deportation measures can be taken under the Immigration Act."

Earlier, under the government's special strengthened quarantine measures, entrants from six countries?Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan?are required to submit a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) negative test certificate issued within 48 hours prior to departure.

However, as of the 21st of last month, there were eight cases among overseas entrants who submitted negative test certificates but tested positive, raising controversy over whether these were 'fake negative test certificates.'

At that time, the government stated, "During the COVID-19 incubation period, a negative result may appear initially, followed by a positive result as the virus replicates actively," and expressed the need for further detailed investigation.

Meanwhile, in response to the increase in imported confirmed cases, the government requested active cooperation from local residents for the operation of temporary living facilities to manage these individuals. These temporary living facilities are places where entrants without a domestic residence undergo 14 days of quarantine.

Currently, it is known that local governments operate 64 temporary living facilities with 2,747 rooms available.

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