Gyeongnam Province Extends Guidance Period for Mandatory Mask Wearing

Guidance Period Until November 12, Fines Up to 100,000 KRW for Violations from November 13

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] Gyeongnam Province announced on the 12th that it will fully implement the administrative order mandating mask-wearing in the province in accordance with the government's policy on adjusting social distancing measures and the enforcement of fines under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

Residents of Gyeongnam must always wear masks indoors and outdoors (▲outdoors where many people gather such as assemblies, performances, and events ▲when it is difficult to maintain a distance of 2 meters or more from others).

The mandatory mask-wearing applies to ▲public transportation workers and users such as buses, subways, and taxis ▲organizers, workers, and attendees of gatherings with large crowds ▲workers and users of medical institutions ▲workers caring for residents and users of nursing facilities and day/night care facilities, among others.

Although the grace period was initially until the 12th, to prevent confusion among residents regarding the imposition of fines, the grace period will be extended until the 12th of next month, and from November 13th, violations will be subject to fines of up to 100,000 KRW.

Additionally, under social distancing level 1, 11 high-risk facilities including entertainment bars, colatecs, karaoke rooms, indoor group exercise facilities, door-to-door sales and direct sales promotion centers, and buffets will be required to comply with core quarantine rules and mandatory mask-wearing. Failure to wear masks in these facilities may result in fines.

Gyeongnam Province plans to flexibly adjust administrative orders considering the COVID-19 outbreak situation, including facilities and locations with cluster infections in the region.

When violations are detected at facilities or locations subject to mask-wearing and other quarantine guideline compliance orders, the individuals involved will first be instructed to wear masks. If they fail to comply, fines will be imposed. Inspections will be conducted alongside guidance and monitoring of compliance with core quarantine rules, similar to the imposition of fines for smoking in non-smoking areas.

Fines will be imposed if masks do not fully cover the mouth and nose even if worn. KF masks and cloth (cotton) masks are recognized as valid mask-wearing, but mesh-type masks, valve masks, and covering the face with clothing such as scarves are not recognized.

However, masks are not required indoors or outdoors when alone in a divided space such as at home or a personal office, when with family or cohabitants without outsiders, when outdoors maintaining a distance of 2 meters or more from others, or when engaging in activities where wearing a mask is difficult such as eating or drinking.

Furthermore, children under 14 years old and individuals with brain lesions or developmental disabilities who have difficulty wearing masks themselves are also subject to the mask-wearing mandate but are exempt from fines.

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