"Request to Minimize Tomorrow's Minju No Chong Rally... Legal Action for Violation of Quarantine Rules" (Update)

Health Authorities: "Attendance List Management and Ban on Meals Before and After Gatherings Must Be Followed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The quarantine authorities have requested the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which has announced a large-scale rally this weekend, to reconsider or minimize the gathering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On the 13th, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, said at the regular briefing of the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, "A KCTU rally with about 15,000 participants has been reported in 14 cities and provinces nationwide, excluding Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Sejong," adding, "We request both the organizers and attendees to reconsider or minimize the rally, and we repeatedly urge strict adherence to quarantine management during the event."

Yoon emphasized again, "The freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be fully guaranteed, but since side effects may occur, please strictly follow the quarantine guidelines."

He explained, "For large-scale rallies with over 500 participants, it is mandatory to consult with local governments. Yesterday, we also had a phone consultation with the KCTU and the CDSCH’s daily quarantine team," adding, "The quarantine authorities requested thorough management of mask-wearing, social distancing among attendees, temperature checks to identify symptomatic individuals, and strict management of the attendance list."

Additionally, shouting, slogans, and singing, which pose a high risk of droplet transmission, are prohibited. Especially before and after the rally, infection can occur through meals, so we asked to refrain from gatherings involving meals. Yoon said, "Since there is a high possibility of movement via chartered buses, we sent an official letter to the KCTU regarding compliance with quarantine rules during transportation, and received a response indicating their cooperation."

The quarantine authorities mentioned that under the current Level 1 social distancing, corresponding measures will be taken if basic quarantine rules are violated.

Yoon stated, "If quarantine rules are violated, attendees will be fined 100,000 won per person, and the rally organizers will be fined 3 million won," adding, "This will be strictly enforced, and if quarantine rules related to the rally are not properly followed and are managed too loosely, resulting in a large number of confirmed cases, legal measures will be taken accordingly."

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