Over 1,000 Referred for 'Infectious Disease Control Act Violations' Including Obstruction of Epidemiological Investigations... "Strict Judicial Action"

246 Arrested for COVID-19 Fake News on YouTube and Others
112 Reports of Mask Non-Compliance, Averaging 959 Cases Daily

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The number of people referred to the prosecution by the police on charges of violating quarantine measures related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has exceeded 1,000. In particular, 246 people have been arrested so far for spreading 'fake news' on YouTube and other platforms following the far-right group's Gwangbokjeol Gwanghwamun rally.

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated this in a written briefing on the 7th and emphasized, "We will strictly take judicial action according to legal procedures against violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, such as obstructing epidemiological investigations."

Following the recent Gwanghwamun rally, the number of people referred to the prosecution on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act has increased to 1,002 due to repeated acts of obstructing quarantine, such as refusing isolation treatment despite testing positive for COVID-19. Among them, 12 people have been detained. The police are also investigating 179 people who concealed their participation in the Gwanghwamun rally and obstructed epidemiological investigations after testing positive for COVID-19. Of these, 24 have been referred to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment, and investigations are ongoing for the remaining 142.

Investigations into false and fabricated information spreading mainly by far-right YouTubers are also accelerating. The police have investigated a total of 249 cases, including 202 cases of spreading false information and 47 cases of personal information leakage, and have identified 153 cases involving 246 people. On social networking services (SNS), false information such as "If you answer that you attended the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions rally, you do not have to undergo a (COVID-19) test" has been spread mainly among participants of the Gwanghwamun rally, and the police are investigating the initial spreaders. They are also investigating a YouTuber who claimed that "one participant of the Gwanghwamun rally tested positive at a public health center but tested negative after a second test at a hospital." Commissioner Kim said, "Recently, false information that could interfere with national quarantine efforts or pose a high risk to public health has been spreading, so we are comprehensively reviewing violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and conducting investigations."

Since the implementation of social distancing level 2.5 in the metropolitan area on the 30th of last month, a total of 4,796 COVID-19-related 112 emergency calls, including disputes over mask non-wearing, were received nationwide by the 3rd of this month. This averages to 959 calls per day. Commissioner Kim explained, "Most reports were suspected violations of operating restrictions at restaurants and disputes related to mask non-wearing." The police have previously detained six people who assaulted citizens who tried to stop them from boarding public transportation without wearing masks.

Meanwhile, as of 6 p.m. the previous day, the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed cases within the police force was 43, with nine currently undergoing isolation treatment. Commissioner Kim said, "To prevent any gaps in police activities, we are maintaining a work delegation system according to the 'National Police Agency Deputy Duty Operation Regulations' and will thoroughly implement quarantine measures to prevent additional confirmed cases."

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