Fines for Not Wearing Masks in High-Risk Areas... 3 Million Won for Managers, 100,000 Won for Users

Enforcement of the Infectious Disease Control Act on October 13
Starting from the 1st, a fine of 5 million won for refusal of on-site investigation of child abuse cases

On the 20th, about 10 days before Chuseok, Kyungdong Market in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, was bustling with citizens./Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Starting next month, if individuals violate quarantine guidelines such as maintaining visitor logs or wearing masks at facilities where infectious diseases can spread, administrators and operators will be fined up to 3 million KRW, and users up to 100,000 KRW.

On the 29th, the Ministry of Government Legislation announced that 90 laws, including the "Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Infectious Disease Prevention Act)," will be newly enforced starting next month.

First, the Infectious Disease Prevention Act, effective from the 13th of next month, includes effective punitive measures.

If a patient undergoing treatment for an infectious disease experiences a change in severity, they can be transferred to another infectious disease management institution for treatment. Those who refuse must pay their own treatment costs and face a fine of up to 1 million KRW.

Administrators and operators who violate guidelines such as maintaining visitor logs or wearing masks at places or facilities where infectious diseases can spread will be fined up to 3 million KRW, and users up to 100,000 KRW.

Additionally, from the 1st of next month, the amended "Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes" will be applied.

Local government heads will become the main agents or claimants for various measures such as receiving reports, dispatching to the scene, and emergency actions. Dedicated child abuse officials will handle report reception and investigations.

If child abuse damage is confirmed outside the abuse site and there is an urgent or significant risk of re-abuse, emergency measures can be taken. Protection will be extended not only to the victimized child but also to their siblings and cohabiting children.

The protection order period for victimized children, previously extendable in 3-month increments, will be extended to 6-month increments. The maximum duration will be extended from 4 years to until the child reaches adulthood.

From the 1st of next month, the amended "Industrial Safety and Health Act" will be enforced.

Regulations on safety and health education for workers, safety measures to prevent industrial accidents, and work stoppage measures in case of imminent danger of industrial accidents will also apply to on-site trainees.

Those who violate safety or health measures causing the death of an on-site trainee will face imprisonment of up to 7 years or a fine of up to 100 million KRW.

From the 8th of next month, the amended "Railway Safety Act" will be applied.

Railway workers will be empowered to actively request the suspension of train operations. Punishments for those who set fire to railway vehicles will be strengthened to life imprisonment or imprisonment of 5 years or more.

Source: Ministry of Government Legislation

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