202 COVID-19 Administrative Order Violating Entertainment Venues Raided... 1,098 People Caught

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency "Operating in Violation of Gathering Ban Order... Customers Who Used the Service Also Subject to Crackdown"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Since the administrative order banning gatherings at entertainment establishments was issued in March due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), more than 200 locations in Seoul alone have been caught in police crackdowns.

A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated at a regular press briefing held on the 21st regarding the crackdown and investigation of entertainment facilities related to COVID-19, "Since the first administrative order banning gatherings at entertainment facilities was issued on March 22, a total of 202 cases of violations of related laws by unauthorized clubs, room salons, and other entertainment establishments have been cracked down on," adding, "Among them, 860 individuals were caught violating the Food Sanitation Act, 238 violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, totaling 1,098 people."

In particular, the police explained that recently, reports have been received that entertainment establishments are continuing operations by evading the gathering ban orders, and joint crackdowns are underway by the police and Seoul city special investigators.

A Seoul Police Agency official said, "Recently, there have been reports that entertainment establishments are avoiding the gathering ban by renting other facilities such as massage parlors or hotel karaoke rooms to continue their operations," emphasizing, "We are conducting joint crackdowns daily with Seoul city, and customers using illegal establishments will also be booked for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. We will thoroughly enforce the law."

Regarding police support for epidemiological investigations and quarantine measures, the police stated, "Recently appointed 112 police officers are supporting various tasks such as epidemiological investigations and screening clinic assistance," and added, "They mainly support epidemiological investigations at the request of health authorities."

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