Jeonnam Province Takes Strict 'Zero Tolerance' Action Against Obstruction of Epidemiological Investigations

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province has decided to take strict action against acts that obstruct epidemiological investigations.

The province announced on the 16th that it will not tolerate actions that could undermine the COVID-19 quarantine system and threaten the safety of residents, and will respond with a zero-tolerance policy in close cooperation with city and county governments and the police.

Recently, in the Jeonnam area, there have been some cases of refusal or obstruction of epidemiological investigations, non-cooperation with diagnostic tests and administrative orders prohibiting gatherings, and acts of hiding movement paths or giving false statements.

According to the "Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act," those who refuse or obstruct epidemiological investigations or give false statements without justifiable reasons may face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

In addition, the province plans to apply a zero-tolerance principle by claiming compensation for quarantine costs such as testing, investigation, and treatment in the event of an infectious disease outbreak caused by violations.

Kang Young-gu, Director of the Health and Welfare Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, "We plan to respond strongly to violations to establish a safe quarantine network in the local community," and added, "Since this is a matter directly related to the lives and safety of residents, we are responding with a zero-tolerance policy, so we ask for active cooperation and strict compliance with quarantine rules."

Meanwhile, Jeonnam Province has issued diagnostic test orders for workers in entertainment facilities within the province until today, and until the 23rd, administrative orders prohibiting gatherings of five or more people have been issued for five types of entertainment facilities and singing practice rooms in the province.

The social distancing levels have been raised in Yeosu, Suncheon, Gwangyang, and Goheung, where the recent spread continues.

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