"COVID-19 Cluster Outbreak Due to Quarantine Rule Violations... Compensation Claims Possible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] Legal grounds have been established to claim damages in the event of a mass outbreak caused by violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. A fine of up to 2 million won will be imposed for fraudulent vaccination.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that the amendment to the "Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act" (Infectious Disease Prevention Act) containing these provisions passed the plenary session on the 26th.

The amendment includes legal grounds for ensuring the effectiveness of COVID-19 quarantine measures and addressing issues that may arise during the vaccination process.

In the future, if a mass outbreak occurs due to a specific individual's violation of quarantine rules, the Minister of Health and Welfare, the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, or the head of a local government will be authorized to claim damages for hospitalization, treatment, and quarantine expenses incurred during the process. Additionally, if epidemiological investigations are obstructed systematically or if hospitalization/quarantine measures are violated causing infection to others, aggravated punishment can be imposed.

The authority to order suspension or closure of places and facilities found violating quarantine guidelines will be expanded from the existing mayors, county governors, and district chiefs to provincial governors.

If the closure order is not followed, grounds have been established for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won. However, before issuing a closure order, the facility must be given an opportunity to present their opinion and a hearing process to investigate the facts must be conducted.

Furthermore, receiving vaccination through false or fraudulent means will be subject to fines. When infectious disease response is difficult with existing pharmaceuticals, contracts for purchase and supply can be made for vaccines under development. A disclaimer has been added to exempt officials in charge from liability if they perform their duties without intentional or gross negligence and suffer no disadvantages.

Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "This amendment aims to enhance the response capability at quarantine sites in preparation for the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and to promote stable vaccination. We will do our best to ensure that the public can quickly restore a healthy and safe daily life through smooth vaccination."

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