Patients concealing contact, travel history risk jail or death sentence

According to the Ministry of Public Security, local public security authorities recently listed 20 novel coronavirus pneumonia patients nationwide who intentionally concealed their ailment, contact and travel history and could be charged with endangering public security as their irresponsibility led to many more people being isolated or even infected.

Following the outbreak of a contagious disease, it is obligatory for citizens to report their history of contact with infected people or travel history in epidemic areas, especially if they feel unwell themselves. It is not only about their personal health, but also about society's security.

Since the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, local authorities and the media have reported many cases of NCP patients concealing their contact history, travel history and even illness, earning wide public criticism.

In Xingtai, Hebei province, a 64-year-old woman concealed the fact that she had been to Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, even after she felt unwell and was hospitalized. As a result, not only did she fail to receive the required treatment and died, but 77 people who had come in contact with her－including medical staff who were treating her－had to be isolated.

Concealing personal contact and travel history or sickness greatly undermines efforts to treat or contain the virus, apart from endangering public health. The Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate have interpreted the law to say those who conceal such information are guilty of endangering public security and could be jailed for life or even sentenced to death.

Many local governments have said people will be held liable according to the law for intentionally concealing contact and travel history and NCP symptoms. Authorities in Shanghai have even decided to blacklist patients who conceal their personal contact history from the social credit system.

Curbing the NCP outbreak requires efforts by all of society. People must realize that their contact history or information about their illness is not private, but is important information that could protect public health. And its intentional concealment can invite legal punishment.

- WANG YIQING, CHINA DAILY