Taiwan has handed out the maximum possible fine to a man who flouted quarantine restrictions. The man recently returned from China, and last week ignored rules requiring him to spend two weeks in self-quarantine. After evading the police for days, he finally handed himself in, but not before officials decided to enforce the maximum penalty of NT$1 million.This is Lin Tung-ching. Five days ago, uproar began when it emerged he had disappeared – violating the quarantine requirements placed on him.Lin Tung-chingQuarantine offenderI thought it would be fine if I was alone in Wanhua. But apparently people were worried.Lin says he registered his address as a room he was renting by the day in Wanhua, in order not to trouble his family. But police discovered Lin was traveling in Taipei City, disregarding quarantine restrictions. After losing contact with him, officials publicized his name to appeal for help in finding him. After police urged his father to get him to make contact, he voluntarily reported to a police station on Feb. 28.Yin Tung-chengHsinchu County Public Health BureauHe was extremely uncooperative while we were trying to find him. He claimed to be in false locations, making our search even harder, and wasting huge resources. We view this as extremely malicious behavior, which is why we have chosen to impose a heavy penalty of NT$1 million.On Feb. 25 the president announced an increase to potential fines for those who flout public health rules in the COVID-19 crisis. The maximum fine was NT$150,000, but rose to NT$1 million. Just three days later, police caught Lin, and that maximum was enforced for the first time. It is the highest fine ever to be imposed in Taiwan for violating quarantine measures. Officials hope it sends out a message of zero tolerance for those who scorn health rules.
