Police Confirm BTJ Yeolbang Center Refused Epidemiological Investigation and Diagnostic Testing... Strict Legal Action to Follow
Deployment of the 'Sinsok Daeeung Team' for Location Confirmation
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police have announced their intention to strictly prosecute those involved with the 'BTJ Yeolbang Center' located in Sangju-si, Gyeongbuk, which has caused controversy due to obstructing epidemiological investigations and refusing COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
The National Investigation Headquarters of the Korean National Police Agency released a statement on the 12th, saying, "It has been confirmed that a significant number of visitors to the BTJ Yeolbang Center have either not responded to contact attempts by health authorities or denied visiting the site, thereby obstructing epidemiological investigations, and are refusing the COVID-19 diagnostic test orders from health authorities."
The police had previously applied for arrest warrants for two officials of the center on suspicion of obstructing epidemiological investigations. For visitors to the center who cannot be reached by health authorities, the police plan to deploy a rapid response team consisting of 8,602 officers nationwide to confirm their whereabouts. Furthermore, those who refuse to comply with the administrative orders for diagnostic testing issued by health authorities will face legal action under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
Additionally, the police reiterated that they will clearly identify and hold accountable those who instructed or led illegal activities. The police stated, "We regard violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, such as obstructing epidemiological investigations, violating quarantine measures, and interfering with diagnostic testing, as serious illegal acts that threaten public health and undermine social trust. We will respond firmly according to the law and principles."
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As of midnight on the day, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases related to the BTJ Yeolbang Center was reported to be 576. Notably, among the 2,797 people who visited the center between November 27 and December 27 of last year, only 924 (33%) underwent diagnostic testing, while the remaining 1,873 (67%) have yet to be tested, according to health authorities.
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