The state vaccine task force announced on Thursday that those who forge or alter COVID-19 vaccination certificates for personal gain will face punishment based on relevant penal codes. 

The warning comes as the certificates are expected to take effect once the government eases social distancing as part of efforts to shift quarantine focus. The government is currently discussing the new system.

The task force said people who use forged or altered certificates to gain incentives, excluding private gathering bans, could face up to ten years in prison. 

Those who use a certificate belonging to another for verification purposes could face a maximum sentence of two years or a fine of up to five million won.