Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Suwon4AGT]

Just got back from a visa run to Osaka, where a flu quarantine was in effect dduring my 3 day stay. I managed to get back through the Incheon Immigration/Custom checkpoints on 8pm Tuesday night May 26th. It's now two days later. I got a call from some Korean health board telling me that I've been quarantined for 14 days. I even had them speak directly to my hagwon director.

Here's the rub. I think my director is trying to pull a fast one and attempting to downplay this call I received. In her words, she understands that I have been quarantined for 14 days, but doesn't know whether that means I am supposed to stay home or not (yeah, uh-huh, whatever).

To what degree should I be concerned about violating the law? First, I don't have any symptoms of the flu, and while we've been told that the incubation period for this flu strain is about 14 days, I just don't think I have or will get the flu. So, in effect, I'm stuck between a mandated order by the Korean government (???) and a stubborn hagwon director whose fledging hagwon can't afford a substitute.

Any helpful advice out there would be appreciated!!

[alphakennyone]

LOL! Don't go to Hongdae/Itaewon, but DO go to work!

Yes, that is how quarantines work!

[Suwon4AGT]

[cdninkorea]

My BS detector is going off. What kind of quarantine is it where you're in your apartment? It's not sealed off in any way, so your neighbours and whatnot could easily get it if you have it. Are there guards outside your door, or any method of enforcement? If not, it's not a quarantine.

Until someone talks to you and shows you official ID, go to work (get paid ), go to Hongdae (check out the pretty girls ), go to Itaewon (eat some yummy food ).

[moosehead]

I'm with cdinK on this one - unless an official shows up with a badge and/or paperwork and directs you to do such and such, or go to a hospital quarantine, it sounds kinda, well, sloppy to say the best and bogus to say the worst -

your director probably whined a lot to them and said they really need you and all and of course that's going to take precedence over your health (and everyone else's)

you might call your Embassy and ask about how an official notification should take place - if nothing else they SHOULD really know that, right?

seriously - calling someone on the phone - how is anyone supposed to take that seriously?

[Suwon4AGT]

Just for kicks, I had a Korean friend call the Korean health board. I was given a recommendation to stay home for 7-14 days, not a mandate. The lady who called me Thursday morning spoke very bad English. So, I am just going to keep going to work and not worry about it.

[harlowethrombey]

Sorry, that was me. I've been phoning up random foreigners and telling them they're quarintined. Then I'll swoop in and pick up their private lessons. . .