Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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In relation to COVID-19 in Korea, amendments to the Infection Prevention Act, the Quarantine Act, and the Medical Act were made based on the grounds for the prohibition of entry into areas with infectious diseases and the regulations for compulsory hospitalization for patients, which is called ‘the Corona 3 Act.’ This act passed the National Assembly on February 26, 2020.

1. Amendment to the act on prevention and management of infectious diseases

i. Self-quarantine, facility quarantine, symptom check, investigation and examination, etc. may be taken to persons who are concerned about the epidemic of infectious diseases or have stayed or transited through infectious disease.

ii. If a person refuses examination, quarantine, or treatment of the health authorities, he/she may be imprisoned for up to one year or fined up 10 million won.

iii. In the event of an outbreak of a warning above ‘Caution’ is issued, hygiene masks are provided to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly who use social welfare facilities.

iv. In addition, the number of epidemiological investigators belonging to the Ministry of Welfare should be significantly increased from the current 30 or more to 100 or more in the outbreak of a warning above ‘Caution.’

v. In particular, it is essential to have epidemiological investigators in the community over a certain size.

vi. If the price of medicines rises sharply due to the epidemic of a first-class infectious disease or the supply of medicines becomes insufficient, the export of items such as masks and hand sanitizers is prohibited during the period announced by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

2. Amendmend to the quarantine act

i. The Minister of Health and Welfare may request the Minister of Justice to prohibit entry of foreigners from an area where an infectious disease is prevalent or at risk of epidemic or foreigners who have passed through the area.

3. Amendmend to the medical act

i. This act includes operational standards that medical institutions must comply with to prevent infectious disease and block transmission.

ii. When a doctor detects a suspected infectious disease during treatment, he/she have to report to the local government or the head of a public health center.