"Mask Makes It Hard to Breathe" How to Deal with Summer's Biggest Obstacle to Quarantine: the Heat

Hot Weather Makes Masks Stifling and Uncomfortable
Concerns Rise Over Infection as More People Stop Wearing Masks
Experts Warn "No Complacency... Always Stay Vigilant"

On the 7th, at an intersection in Jung-gu, Seoul, citizens are crossing the crosswalk. Photo by Joohee Kang, intern reporter kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Suwan Kim, Intern Reporter Joohee Kang] "Wearing a mask in this weather makes it hard to breathe."

Recently, as daytime temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius and the hot weather continues, more people are finding it difficult to wear masks. They say it feels stuffy and uncomfortable because sweat accumulates inside the mask and breathing becomes difficult.

As a result, concerns are growing that the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) might spread again. Experts point out that vigilance must be maintained until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

A man in his 30s, office worker Mr. A, said, "Wearing a mask in the midday heat these days makes me feel out of breath after just a short walk," adding, "The weather is hot, and wearing a mask makes it hard to breathe, so I feel increasingly lethargic. Sometimes I even get dizzy when standing under direct sunlight."

He continued, "I can't avoid wearing it because of the infectious disease, but wearing a mask in this weather is really tough. The weather will only get hotter, so I'm already worried about how I'll endure the midsummer heat."

In response, the government advised that if breathing is difficult in hot weather, it is acceptable to wear KF80, dental, or cotton masks instead of KF90 masks.

On the 6th, Yang Jin-young, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said during a mask supply briefing, "In fact, some people prefer KF80 masks in the hotter summer months because they are easier to breathe through," and emphasized, "If KF80 or dental masks are not available, cotton masks can also help prevent infection."

Citizens wearing masks / Photo by Yonhap News

However, citizens complain that KF80 masks, dental masks, and cotton masks are also stuffy to wear in hot weather.

One netizen said, "Honestly, no matter whether you wear KF80 or dental masks, it’s very uncomfortable when it’s hot. Sometimes I have to take off my mask in places without people just to endure it a bit."

On the other hand, some express concern that the recent increase in people not wearing masks might lead to a rise in confirmed cases again.

In a post on an online community, netizen Mr. B said, "I already see too many people not wearing masks. Are some people not bothered by it?" and criticized, "The pandemic is not over yet, but seeing people not wearing masks because it’s hot makes me think they are selfish."

He added, "Although the number of confirmed cases has decreased significantly now, if so many people do not maintain personal hygiene, infections could increase again at any time," expressing his anxiety.

Experts point out that vigilance must be maintained until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Professor Woojoo Kim, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "Recently, as the weather has gotten hotter, many people have stopped wearing masks because they feel uncomfortable, but COVID-19 is still spreading, and vigilance must always be maintained," adding, "Especially in enclosed indoor spaces, the risk of infection remains high, so wearing masks is essential."

He said, "Wearing a mask outdoors in hot weather can make you short of breath because masks are very dense," and added, "If you feel difficulty breathing or other discomfort from wearing a mask, you should briefly remove it and maintain distance from others as much as possible."

He continued, "If KF90 masks feel too suffocating, it is acceptable to substitute them with KF80 or dental masks as recommended by the government," emphasizing, "However, the effectiveness of cotton masks in preventing infectious diseases has not been verified. For reliable protection, it is better to wear KF80 or dental masks."

Professor Kim also urged, "However, wearing a mask during physical activities in hot weather is very dangerous. You must remove your mask during exercise and maintain distance from others."

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