Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young: "Legal Action Against Those Obstructing Quarantine Efforts Based on Zero-Tolerance Policy"

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young instructed that "those who deliberately obstruct quarantine efforts and violate laws must face legal action based on a zero-tolerance principle."

Mayor Yom made the remarks on the 25th at a "COVID-19 Response Progress Briefing" held at City Hall's Disaster Safety Situation Room, stating "It is regrettable that there are those who engage in antisocial behavior that makes our society difficult, rendering meaningless the sacrifices of citizens and quarantine authorities working to prevent COVID-19 spread. Such individuals must be reported without exception and receive appropriate punishment."

He continued, "There have been cases where people ignored the quarantine authorities' request to 'undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing if you attended the Gwanghwamun rally' and went about their daily lives, infecting entire families. We must not overlook the actions of those who have caused social chaos."

According to the Central Disease Control and Prevention Headquarters, as of the 25th, there are 915 confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and 193 confirmed cases related to the Gwanghwamun rally on August 15th.

The city issued emergency administrative orders on the 21st for voluntary reporting and diagnostic testing targeting individuals related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and visitors to the August 15th Gwanghwamun rally.

Those who violate the order can face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won under Article 79 of the "Infectious Disease Prevention and Management Act," and the city can pursue recovery of all costs, including quarantine expenses, if infection spreads due to violation of the order.

The number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Suwon as of August (as of 4 p.m. on the 25th, excluding quarantine facility cases) is 71, which represents 38.8% of the total confirmed cases in Suwon (183 cases). There are 2 confirmed cases from quarantine facilities in August (23 cases total).

Among the August confirmed cases, 16 (22.5%) are related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, 8 (11.3%) to the Gwanghwamun rally, 5 (7.0%) to Uli Jeil Church in Yongin, and 2 (2.8%) to Yeouido Full Gospel Church in Seoul. Other cases (overseas inflow, contacts of confirmed cases) number 37 (52.1%), with 3 cases "under epidemiological investigation."

Mayor Yom also instructed thorough preparations for Typhoon No. 8 "BAVI." As of 10 a.m. today, Typhoon BAVI is moving northward toward Jeju Island from approximately 460 km southwest of Seogwipo. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that BAVI will pass through the western sea of Jeju Island on the 26th, then move to the West Sea, and make landfall on the Korean peninsula on the 27th.

Mayor Yom stated, "By the morning of the 26th, remove all banners, street barriers, and other unstably installed facilities within the city," and added, "Thoroughly inspect large construction sites, screening clinic tents, sound barriers, shade structures, and commercial accumulations to prevent damage."