Gyeongnam Province Imposes Fines for Violations of Mandatory Mask Wearing

Shin Jong-woo, Director of the Health Bureau, Gyeongnam Province.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-ho] Gyeongnam Province will impose a fine of up to 100,000 KRW for violating the mandatory mask-wearing rule.

On the 10th, Gyeongnam Province announced that the administrative order to impose fines for violating the mandatory mask-wearing rule within the province will take effect from the 13th.

This is because the guidance period for the administrative order issued by the province ends on the 12th. Accordingly, all residents and visitors in the entire Gyeongnam area are recommended to wear masks at all times indoors and in crowded outdoor areas.

However, considering social acceptance and administrative capacity, the scope of mandatory mask-wearing and fine imposition will be operated in stages.

At social distancing level 1, the rule applies to 9 types of priority management facilities, 14 types of general management facilities, assembly and protest sites, indoor sports stadiums, and public transportation. When raised to level 1.5, outdoor sports stadiums and others are added.

At level 2, mask-wearing becomes mandatory for all indoor areas and high-risk outdoor activities. At level 2.5 and above, masks must be worn indoors and outdoors where maintaining a 2-meter distance is difficult.

Under the administrative order being implemented, operators managing places where mask-wearing is mandatory must guide compliance, and users must wear masks properly.

Even if a mask is worn, failure to fully cover the mouth and nose will result in a fine. Mesh-type, valve-type masks, or covering the face with scarves or clothing are not accepted.

Regardless of the number of violations, a fine of up to 100,000 KRW will be imposed. If facility managers or operators violate core quarantine guideline compliance orders, a fine of up to 3 million KRW will be imposed.

A Gyeongnam Province official said, “We are focusing administrative efforts on preventing the spread of community infections along with the implementation of the social distancing restructuring,” adding, “Successful quarantine is possible when each resident voluntarily and responsibly follows quarantine rules such as wearing masks.”

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