10 indicted for violating coronavirus self-isolation rules
A woman wearing a face mask to help protect against the spread of the new coronavirus walks at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Sunday, April 19, 2020. AP
Ten people in South Korea have been indicted for going outside despite being under self-isolation, the prosecution said Tuesday, reflecting the government's stern stance against rule breakers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the ten who have been referred to courts, the prosecution and police are also probing two men who have been detained for their alleged self-isolation violations.
They are a Seoul resident in his 60s who allegedly visited a sauna and restaurant after returning from the United States and a Gyeonggi Province resident in his 20s who repeatedly went outside.
"We plan to probe and (possibly) detain people who intentionally, repeatedly and continuously violate self-isolation," the prosecution said.
South Korea has adopted stronger quarantine measures, such as mandatory self-isolation for all international arrivals, to better fight the virus that has infected more than 10,000 here.
Those who breach self-isolation rules could face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won (US$8,127). (Yonhap)