Jeonnam Province Mandates Mask Wearing When Using Public Transportation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province (Governor Kim Young-rok) announced on the 29th that due to the recent occurrence of confirmed COVID-19 cases and contacts in the region, Mokpo City, Naju City, Hwasun County, and Muan County have independently enforced mandatory mask-wearing when using public transportation.

The remaining 18 cities and counties were also requested to prepare measures to enforce mandatory mask-wearing for public transportation users, such as city buses and rural buses, as soon as possible.

Concerns are spreading that a resurgence might occur as confirmed cases have emerged through community transmission even in Jeonnam, which had been a COVID-19 clean area.

Meanwhile, as temperatures rise, cases of neglecting mask-wearing are increasing, leading to a re-recommendation to wear masks.

Since the 26th of last month, Jeonnam Province has implemented administrative measures mandating mask-wearing for transportation workers, and according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s policy, drivers have been allowed to refuse boarding to passengers not wearing masks at their discretion.

Along with the province’s request, voices demanding mandatory mask-wearing when using public transportation are growing stronger in the community.

In particular, cases of passengers being refused boarding for not wearing masks and subsequently involved in disputes have occurred in Seoul, Jeju, and other areas, and the police have indicated strong responses, so the mandatory mask-wearing policy is expected to be established rapidly.

A Jeonnam Province official said, “Wearing masks may be somewhat uncomfortable due to the heat, but we ask that you wear masks when using public transportation as a mature civic consciousness that considers others, so that we can wisely overcome the national disaster situation of COVID-19.”

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