More than 20 people have been put under criminal investigation for suspicion of intentionally hiding their infection of the novel coronavirus and causing several others to be infected and quarantined, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Police officers across the country have filed cases on suspects for endangering public security with the dangerous practice, according to a statement posted by the ministry's criminal investigation bureau online on Friday.

Also on Friday, the ministry made public on its website a few examples of cases in which people deliberately withheld infections and refused to be quarantined.

On Feb 2, for instance, the public security department in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, filed a case against a suspect surnamed Lu, who took a flight outside the province on Jan 17 and had close contact with someone who was later confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus.

However, after going back to Ganzhou on Jan 25, Lu did not follow instructions to self-quarantine at home. Instead, he took public transport and contacted many other people, which has caused serious consequences. Lu was later confirmed to be infected, according to the ministry.

Another suspect, identified as Hou, is also under criminal investigation after hiding his travel from Wuhan to Ya'an, Sichuan province. He visited friends and contacted others in Ya'an. Hou went to a fever clinic on Jan 27 for coughs and fever, but intentionally hid his work and life experience in Wuhan, closely contacting several medical workers. Hou was also confirmed to have the infection and is being quarantined for medical care at present.

Under the Criminal Law and relevant judicial documents, people who deliberately spread the novel coronavirus or spread the virus through negligence could be held liable for endangering public security. The ministry said public security authorities nationwide will fight such a crime strictly.

Departments and individuals have an obligation to submit to investigation, testing, sample collection, quarantine or other preventive measures from medical institutes or departments for disease-related prevention and control, and inform relevant parties of his or her condition based on facts in line with the country's laws on the prevention and control of infectious diseases, according to the ministry.

"It's a critical stage against the epidemic now. Early quarantine, diagnosis and medical treatment are the keys to preventing and controlling the disease," it said.
Those who know they have been infected or possibly infected with the novel coronavirus should take the initiative to report, go to hospital, receive medical treatment and quarantine as a move to shoulder responsibility for their health, as well as the health and safety of their families and others, the ministry said.