Incheon City Issues Administrative Order: "Get Tested Within 48 Hours If Recommended for COVID-19 Screening"

Criminal Penalties Possible for Non-Compliance

COVID-19 Test

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] From the 14th until the 4th of next month, for three weeks in Incheon, individuals with suspected symptoms who have been advised by a doctor or pharmacist to undergo a COVID-19 diagnostic test must take the test within 48 hours. Failure to comply may result in criminal penalties.

Incheon City announced on the same day that it has issued this administrative order.

The city issued this administrative order as a preemptive measure to detect COVID-19 cases early and prevent the spread of infection in the community.

The target individuals are Incheon citizens or residents who visit hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies and exhibit suspected COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell, and who have been advised by a doctor or pharmacist to undergo diagnostic testing.

Those advised to get tested must visit a public health center screening clinic within 48 hours to receive a COVID-19 test. A diagnostic test referral form enabling rapid testing will be issued at the health center.

Failure to comply with this administrative order may result in criminal penalties, including a fine of up to 2 million KRW, under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.

An official from Incheon City urged, "Since COVID-19 can spread even in the early stages when symptoms are mild, anyone with suspected symptoms should get tested immediately."

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