Court Rules to Suspend Effectiveness of 'Youth Quarantine Pass' in Incheon
by Park Haesook
Published 18 Feb.2022 15:27(KST)
Updated 18 Feb.2022 15:51(KST)
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] A court decision has been made to suspend the effectiveness of the youth quarantine pass in Incheon as well.
The 1-2 Administrative Division of the Incheon District Court (Chief Judge Park Ganggyun) announced on the 18th that it partially accepted the request for suspension of enforcement of the quarantine pass (vaccine certificate/negative test confirmation system) filed by 80 members of the Anti-Vaccine Pass National Litigation Coalition and others against the Mayor of Incheon.
Accordingly, the effectiveness of the quarantine pass applied by Incheon City to youths aged 12 to 18 will be suspended until the main lawsuit results are announced.
The court explained, "According to investigations by the quarantine authorities, even if youths contract COVID-19, the probability of progressing to severe illness or death is significantly lower compared to other age groups."
It further stated, "It is difficult to conclude that not applying the quarantine pass to youths would cause serious adverse effects on public welfare," and judged that "Youths have a greater need to be guaranteed the right to decide on vaccination themselves compared to adults."
It added, "Applying the quarantine pass to youths to effectively compel vaccination is a measure that directly infringes on their right to self-determination, and it is hard to see that it possesses sufficient rationality and legitimacy," explaining the reasons for the ruling.
However, the court did not accept the request to suspend the effectiveness of the quarantine pass applied to entertainment facilities, karaoke rooms, indoor sports facilities, bathhouses, restaurants, cafes, and PC rooms in the Incheon area, stating that "there is no urgent need to halt the implementation of the quarantine pass at this stage."
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