Blue House, on '8·15 Protest' COVID Self-Treatment Petition: "Hospitalization Support is a Quarantine Strategy..."

"Treatment Cost Support, a Measure to Protect All Citizens"... Refusal of Testing or Violation of Gathering Restrictions May Result in Quarantine or Fines

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "Support for hospitalization treatment costs for confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) can be considered a crucial pillar of South Korea's successful 3T quarantine strategy."

The Blue House stated this on the 16th in response to a petition regarding self-funded treatment for confirmed cases from the August 15 Gwanghwamun protest. South Korea's 3T quarantine strategy consists of large-scale Testing, rapid Trace epidemiological investigations, and early Treatment through isolation and care. According to the Blue House, evaluations from major overseas institutions credit the 3T strategy for South Korea's ability to suppress the number of cases without strong lockdown measures while maintaining economic stability.

Kang Do-tae, the 2nd Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, responded to the petition by stating, "Supporting hospitalization treatment costs is a mandatory obligation under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and an effective quarantine strategy to protect the public, making it difficult not to provide such support." However, there is also a significant view that responsibility should be held for actions that threaten public health.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This is why 400,131 people agreed with a public petition stating that it is not right to use taxpayers' money to cover treatment costs for confirmed cases from the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally. However, the government's stance differs.

Vice Minister Kang explained, "Regarding the patient’s share of hospitalization treatment costs, the central government and local governments are obligated to support these costs based on the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act," adding, "the reason for supporting hospitalization treatment costs for confirmed cases is to protect the public from COVID-19."

Vice Minister Kang further stated, "Even if symptoms are mild, actively conducting tests and providing treatment based on the results is the quickest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Considering the possibility that burdens such as hospitalization costs, isolation measures, and social stigma might discourage people from actively undergoing testing or treatment, we provide support for hospitalization treatment costs and related expenses."

However, the government also stated that it is strictly responding to illegal activities related to the August 15 Liberation Day rally based on the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Those found to have committed illegal acts are being prosecuted, and investigations by the police authorities are ongoing.

Vice Minister Kang said, "If a person suspected of being infected with an infectious disease refuses health examinations, violates gathering restrictions or bans, breaches isolation measures while suspected of infection, or unjustifiably refuses, obstructs, or evades epidemiological investigations by quarantine authorities, they may be subject to imprisonment or fines under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act."

Additionally, Vice Minister Kang stated, "Beyond individual illegal acts, if someone spreads the infectious disease to others and causes unnecessary social costs, claims for damages are also being pursued under civil law," adding, "Currently, five local governments including Seoul, as well as the National Health Insurance Service, have filed claims for damages related to various illegal acts concerning COVID-19, including the August 15 Liberation Day rally."

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