Gwangju City Enforces Mandatory Mask Wearing to Block COVID-19 Starting from the 13th

Imposition of Fines Up to 100,000 Won for Violators of Administrative Orders

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 12th that starting from the 13th, wearing masks will be mandatory throughout Gwangju City to prevent and block the spread of COVID-19 community infections.

The facilities subject to mandatory mask-wearing under social distancing level 1 include ▲key and multi-use facilities ▲public transportation ▲assembly and protest sites ▲medical institutions and pharmacies ▲nursing facilities ▲day and night care facilities ▲religious facilities ▲indoor sports stadiums ▲high-risk workplaces ▲gatherings and events with more than 500 people, and the scope of mandatory mask-wearing will expand depending on the level situation.

The types of masks recognized for mask-wearing include health masks (KF94, KF80, etc.) approved as ‘quasi-drugs’ by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, droplet-blocking masks (KF-AD), and surgical masks. If a ‘quasi-drug’ mask is not available, cloth (cotton) masks or disposable masks that can cover the mouth and nose are also acceptable.

However, mesh masks, valve masks, scarves, and similar clothing items are not recognized as masks.

If a person does not wear a mask or wears a mask but does not fully cover the mouth and nose, a fine of up to 100,000 KRW will be imposed regardless of the number of violations. If the facility manager or operator violates quarantine guidelines such as preparing visitor lists or mask-wearing, a fine of up to 3 million KRW will be imposed.

Exceptions to the fine imposition include those under 14 years old and people with medical opinions stating difficulty in breathing when wearing a mask. Exceptions also apply in situations such as eating or drinking, or when mask-wearing is difficult during medical procedures like surgery or treatment.

The purpose of the quarantine guideline compliance order, including mask-wearing, is not to impose fines on citizens but to block the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to quarantine guidelines. Therefore, guidance and enforcement on-site will be the main focus.

Park Hyang, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau, said, “Since the possibility of COVID-19 transmission is high when masks are not worn, I hope all citizens will wear masks to prevent the spread.”

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