"Please Refund from the Government" Mom Cafe in Shock over 100,000 Won Fine for Valve-Type Masks

Fines of 100,000 KRW for Not Wearing Masks... Mesh and Valve Masks Also Penalized
"Why Enforce Now?" People Who Bought Valve Masks in Advance Complain
MFDS: "Valve Masks May Release Infectious Agents"

A post condemning the valve-type mask fine policy was uploaded on a mom cafe on the 5th. Photo by Mom Cafe capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I don't understand why fines are being imposed now," "The amount of the fine seems a bit excessive."

As the government policy that valve-type masks are subject to fines even if worn became known, voices of dissatisfaction are growing among citizens who had purchased these masks in advance.

While understanding the government policy, some pointed out that if the fine policy had been set before these masks were distributed in the market, they obviously would not have bought them. Some have expressed complaints, such as reselling the masks they bought in advance online or even demanding refunds from the government.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 4th, the revised "Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act," which imposes fines for violating quarantine guideline compliance orders, will be enforced from the 13th of next month. The Minister of Health and Welfare, the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, or local government heads can issue administrative orders mandating mask-wearing for a certain period, and violators will be fined up to 100,000 won.

Among these, mesh-type masks and valve-type masks, as well as scarves, which have not proven to block droplets (saliva particles), are not recognized as mask-wearing and are subject to fines.

As a result, complaints are emerging among people who had purchased valve-type masks in advance.

On the previous day (the 5th), a post criticizing this government policy was uploaded on a mom caf?. The author lamented, "There was no word when COVID-19 was spreading vigorously since February, but why are we told not to use them only now after stockpiling them by the box?" and added, "I was startled after watching the news this morning."

Similar critical opinions followed in the comments. One netizen expressed discomfort, saying, "I also bought a lot, and it's annoying." Another mom caf? member criticized, "The crackdown on valve-type masks seems excessive."

Similar opinions were posted not only on mom caf?s but also on other community caf?s. One netizen lamented, "I bought valve-type masks at a high price, and it's absurd." Another netizen pointed out, "I understand because they say it’s ineffective, but why impose fines now? It’s confusing since refunds are not possible."

Summarizing the situation, some citizens’ dissatisfaction with the fine policy on valve-type mask use centers on △ the timing of imposing fines on valve-type masks and △ controversies over disposal and refunds of masks already purchased.

A post selling valve-type masks uploaded on an online secondhand trading cafe. Photo by the respective cafe capture

Given this situation, valve-type masks are being resold online.

On the 4th, a post appeared on a secondhand goods trading caf? stating, "Selling small valve-type masks," and "There are 16 packs with 5 pieces each, totaling 80 masks. The expiration date is until November 2021."

Another netizen posted, "Exchanging 50 small valve-type KF94 masks," proposing to exchange valve-type masks for regular masks.

Amid the controversy over fines for valve-type mask use, quarantine authorities had previously requested restraint in using valve-type masks.

Last August, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommended not using valve-type masks, which have an exhalation valve to ease breathing, among health masks approved for respiratory protection.

These masks apply the valve mechanism that blocks inhalation but allows easier exhalation, but considering expert opinions that infectious agents may be expelled through the valve, it is explained that they should not be used during infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency also views valve-type masks as easier to breathe through compared to KF94 masks but considers them a risk for infecting others.

Valve-type masks distributed in the market [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, from the 13th of next month, violating the "mask-wearing mandatory administrative order" for COVID-19 prevention will result in a fine of up to 100,000 won.

The places where mask-wearing is mandatory vary depending on the social distancing level, but masks must be worn regardless of the distancing level on public transportation, at rallies and demonstrations, in medical institutions and nursing facilities with many vulnerable people, and in day and night care facilities.

So-called "chin masks" (wearing masks improperly under the chin), valve-type masks, and mesh-type masks are subject to fines even if worn. Mesh-type masks, valve-type masks that may release infectious agents during exhalation, and covering the face with scarves or clothing are considered "not wearing a mask."

However, those under 14 years old, people with developmental disabilities who have difficulty putting on and taking off masks without assistance, or those with medical opinions indicating difficulty breathing when wearing masks are exempt from fines.

Also, no fines are imposed when washing the face, eating, undergoing medical procedures such as surgery, being in water such as swimming pools or baths, or when showing the face for identity verification.

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