Mandatory Mask Wearing on Buses and Gatherings from the 13th... 100,000 KRW Fine for Violations

Mesh masks and scarves are 'not recognized' as masks... Both nose and mouth must be covered
Adjustment of application scope according to social distancing levels

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Starting from the 13th, the government will mandate mask-wearing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), with a grace period followed by a fine of 100,000 KRW for violations beginning next month on the 13th. Although the scope of application varies depending on the level of social distancing, mask-wearing will be mandatory regardless of the distancing stage in places such as public transportation, gatherings, protest sites, medical facilities with vulnerable populations, and day and night care facilities.

On the 4th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported the detailed plan for imposing fines related to the mandatory mask-wearing to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH). Based on this, the CDSCH announced that fines will be imposed for violations of quarantine guidelines starting from the 13th of next month. This measure grants stronger enforcement power to prevent further spread. However, fines will be exempted for those under 14 years old and for individuals who are medically unable to wear masks.

According to the revised Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, the Minister of Health and Welfare, the Director of KDCA, governors, or mayors and district heads can issue administrative orders mandating mask-wearing for a necessary period. The revised law will take effect from the 13th of this month, with a grace period until the 12th of next month. From the 13th of next month, a fine of 100,000 KRW will be imposed for violations.

Mask-Wearing Mandatory Without Exception on Public Transportation and at Gatherings

According to the updated measures responding to the spread of COVID-19, the mask-wearing mandate will be applied differently depending on the social distancing level and facility type. At social distancing level 1, administrative orders mandating mask-wearing can be issued for 12 types of facilities including entertainment bars, colatecs, karaoke bars, emotional pubs, hunting pubs, and singing practice rooms. At level 2, additional facilities such as academies with fewer than 300 people, arcades, general restaurants over 150㎡, water parks, religious facilities, indoor wedding halls, movie theaters, saunas, and indoor sports facilities will be subject to mask-wearing administrative orders.

Mask-wearing is mandatory without exception on public transportation and at gatherings. Transportation workers and users of buses, subways, taxis, and other vehicles must wear masks. Additionally, organizers, workers, and attendees of gatherings with many people are included. Healthcare workers and users, as well as workers caring for residents and users of nursing facilities and day and night care facilities, are also included.

Mesh-Type Masks and Substitute Scarves Are 'NO'... Fines Exempt for Those Under 14

The updated measures also specify the types of masks. The government recommends wearing health masks, surgical masks, and droplet-blocking masks approved as quasi-drugs by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and allows cotton masks or disposable masks that can cover the nose and mouth when unavoidable.

Mesh-type masks, valve masks, and substitutes such as scarves, which raise concerns about source control, are not accepted. Furthermore, even if an approved mask is worn, a fine will be imposed if the nose and mouth are not fully covered.

However, those under 14 years old or with special conditions such as difficulty breathing are exempt from fines. Individuals with developmental disabilities who cannot wear masks without assistance or those medically diagnosed as having difficulty breathing while wearing masks are not subject to fines.

Also, no fines will be imposed during activities such as washing the face, eating, medical procedures including surgery, swimming pools, bathhouses, sign language interpretation, photography, broadcasting appearances, performances, and ceremonies where exposing the face is unavoidable.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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