'New Coronavirus' Mask Mandate Met with Criticism as 'Overreaction'... 'Safety Insensitivity' Persists

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] #Because of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), I was spraying disinfectant on delivery boxes I was throwing away in the apartment hallway while wearing a mask. Then, the lady next door came out and said, "Oh my, you’re being so fussy, so fussy." Am I really being fussy? I was trying to protect myself, protect my family, and avoid causing harm to others, but apparently, it can look like fussiness.

#I work at a restaurant. Because of the novel coronavirus, I wear a mask while working, but there are so many complaints from customers that now they tell me not to wear a mask while working. They say it’s uncomfortable or fussy... Do I wear a mask just for my own health? It’s also out of consideration for the customers. Since it’s a private business, I have no choice but to follow the boss’s orders. I wish the government would issue clear guidelines.

The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus is rapidly increasing in South Korea. On the 2nd, three additional confirmed cases were identified, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 15. Although no deaths have been reported, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the fatality rate of the novel coronavirus to 4-5%, about twice the previous estimate of 2.2%, leading to concerns that deaths may occur domestically as well.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged the public to strictly maintain personal hygiene such as 'wearing masks' and 'washing hands' to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus.

Various distribution industries such as department stores, marts, convenience stores, and duty-free shops have also made it mandatory for employees to wear masks, and some sectors have implemented measures such as daily temperature checks for all staff. Nevertheless, in many parts of Seoul, where the highest number of infections have been reported, there are still many citizens not wearing masks, raising concerns about a 'safety complacency.'

In fact, while masks and hand sanitizers are causing supply shortages, posts criticizing people for not wearing masks or describing instances where some citizens gave side glances to those wearing masks are frequently appearing on online communities and social networking services (SNS). One netizen said, "I was wearing a mask indoors, but an elderly person said to me, 'How long do you plan to live that you’re wearing a mask even here?'"

Also, Ms. A, a woman in her 30s working at a hair salon, said, "Recently, employees have been wearing masks while attending to customers," but "there were customers who said, 'Why are you wearing a mask in front of customers? Am I a germ?' In such cases, we have no choice but to remove the mask while serving." She expressed her difficulties.

On the 30th, as anxiety grows over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), a notice related to Wuhan pneumonia prevention is posted at an academy in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Experts unanimously agree that basic prevention such as wearing masks and washing hands is most important, especially since secondary and tertiary infections have recently been reported, transmission from asymptomatic or mild cases has been announced, and there are no vaccines or treatments available.

They emphasize the need to develop a habit of washing hands with soap every time you move from one place to another because the germs on your hands can be transferred to others through handrails or other surfaces when using public transportation or facilities.

A Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official said, "Even if a confirmed patient coughs or sneezes, the virus on objects does not survive long, so infection is not guaranteed. However, if droplets from the infected person enter the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth, infection can occur." He added, "Masks should be adjusted to fit snugly on the face, and once worn, they should not be taken on and off repeatedly. Disposable masks should not be reused."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.