"Because It's Too Hot" Hanging on Chin or Ear... Citizens Wearing 'Half Masks' in Scorching Heat [Han Reporter Goes]

Recent daytime temperatures near 30 degrees... Increase in people not wearing masks due to breathing difficulties
Some citizens wear so-called 'half masks' hanging on chin or ear
"Please make mask-wearing mandatory by law," Cheong petition also
Health authorities urge "Wear masks for COVID-19"

On the afternoon of the 12th, a taxi driver was operating with the mask hanging on his ear without wearing it properly. Due to the recently hotter weather, more people are wearing so-called 'half masks,' such as placing the mask on their chin. Some citizens are even in a 'no mask' state, not wearing masks at all. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Because the weather is so hot, people just put on and take off their masks."

On the afternoon of the 12th, a taxi driver met in a busy area of Seoul said, "There are passengers who do not wear masks at all, or those who wear them only hanging on their chins," adding, "I think it's because the weather is too hot." He continued, "Not only the passengers but some drivers are the same, and I think people will wear masks properly once the heat subsides."

Recently, as daytime temperatures have hovered around 30 degrees Celsius and the hot weather continues, more people are wearing masks but carrying them in so-called 'half-mask' states?either hanging on their chins or ears?because it is difficult to breathe. However, this has been pointed out as ineffective for infection prevention and can spread droplets to others or increase the risk of the wearer becoming infected.

Civilians complained that due to the scorching heat, wearing masks makes breathing difficult. A 30-year-old office worker, Mr. A, said, "I can still wear a mask on the way to work in the morning, but during lunchtime, it is really very uncomfortable." He added, "I know I have to wear a mask, but I find myself unconsciously hanging it on my chin."

Another office worker in his 40s, Mr. B, said, "It's cooler indoors than outdoors, so I wear a mask inside, but when I go outside, I tend to take it off." He continued, "I think it could harm others, but because it's so hot right now, I end up taking it off."

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board

As a result, a petition has been raised requesting that mask-wearing be legally mandated. The petition calls for legally enforcing mask-wearing amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It also urges that violations be punished at the level of minor offenses.

On the 4th of last month, a petition titled "Request to legally mandate mask-wearing until COVID-19 is completely eradicated" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. The author pointed out, "In a situation where patients with unknown infection routes are appearing, many people have started taking off their masks because the weather is getting hotter and confirmed cases have decreased," adding, "Those not wearing masks are confident, and it has become a strange situation where people wearing masks avoid them." The petition emphasized, "Please enact a law to punish non-mask-wearing as a minor offense until COVID-19 is completely eradicated."

Meanwhile, there have been conflicts in various places as some people do not wear masks properly or at all on crowded public transportation such as buses and subways.

Since the 26th of last month, the quarantine authorities have allowed drivers to refuse boarding to passengers who do not wear masks on buses, taxis, trains, and subways nationwide. However, some citizens still do not comply due to the heat.

A person in their 30s met at a bus stop said, "I carry a mask with me, but I adjust wearing it depending on the weather and situation." He explained, "Even on the bus, if it feels stuffy, I briefly lower my mask."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As a result, disputes and assault incidents involving passengers being refused boarding due to not wearing masks have occurred. On the 29th of last month, a subway staff member in Busan who was enforcing mask-wearing was assaulted by a passenger. The police stated, "We will take strict action regarding disputes over boarding refusals related to mandatory mask-wearing on public transportation," adding, "We will apply relevant laws concerning disputes, assault, and obstruction of operation."

Experts emphasized that wearing masks is essential for preventing COVID-19 infection. Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing on the 8th, "We believe that even in communities with lower infection risks, wearing masks can significantly reduce the risk of infection," adding, "It has been documented that maintaining a distance of 2 meters or more and wearing masks, which are basic rules of physical distancing in daily life, can substantially reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection."

She especially stressed, "As we enter the summer season, despite the discomfort and difficulty caused by the heat, I once again urge everyone to make wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining a distance of 2 meters or more between people habitual in daily life."

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