Incheon City to Prosecute Unchecked Confirmed Cases Among Gwanghwamun Rally Participants... Testing Rate at 40%

Only 1,079 out of 2,719 Ordered to Test Complied
Police Cooperation Sought for Mandatory Testing of Non-compliant Individuals

Citizens are waiting to get tested at a COVID-19 screening clinic. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City has announced that if participants of the Seoul Gwanghwamun rally and others are found to be confirmed cases of COVID-19 without undergoing diagnostic testing, they will actively pursue legal action including reporting to investigative authorities and claiming compensation rights.

According to the city on the 1st, although an order to undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing was issued to participants of the Seoul Gwanghwamun rally and others, the testing rate remains below 40%.

The city issued an order on the 20th of last month for citizens who participated in or visited near the Gwanghwamun rally on the 8th and 15th of last month to undergo testing by the 30th.

Based on analysis of mobile phone base station data, it was estimated that 2,719 Incheon citizens were in the Gwanghwamun area on those dates.

However, only 1,079 people completed testing by the 30th, accounting for 39.7% of the total testing targets.

There were 155 people (5.7%) who refused testing, 112 people (4.1%) who were unreachable, and the remaining 1,373 people (50.5%) are still being guided to undergo testing.

The city sent safety guidance messages four times to encourage rally participants to get tested, but for those who still have not been tested, the city plans to cooperate with the police to locate them and ensure testing through direct visits and compulsory investigations.

In particular, if individuals fail to comply with the testing order and are later confirmed as COVID-19 positive, legal measures such as prosecution, claims for damages under civil law, and claims for compensation rights will be taken.

An official from Incheon City stated, "Speed in containment is vital to prevent the local spread of COVID-19, but it is very concerning that some participants of the Gwanghwamun rally refuse or do not cooperate with testing," and urged, "Participants of the Gwanghwamun rally should voluntarily undergo testing for the sake of themselves, their families, and their neighbors."

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