From the 12th, masks must be worn indoors at all times... A fine of 100,000 won for violations

On the 8th, when the number of new COVID-19 cases surged to around 700, citizens are getting tested at the COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Starting from the 12th, masks must be worn at all times indoors regardless of the social distancing level. Additionally, masks must always be worn outdoors when it is not possible to maintain a 2-meter distance or during gatherings, performances, and events.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced these 'Mandatory Mask Wearing Measures' on the 9th.

Under the current 'Social Distancing' system, masks must be worn from level 1 in key and general management facilities such as academies, study rooms, and PC rooms; at level 1.5, this extends to outdoor sports stadiums; and from level 2, it expands to all indoor spaces including assemblies and demonstrations.

Separately, since the 5th of this month, with the implementation of the 'Basic Quarantine Rules,' mask wearing has been mandatory in 33 facilities regardless of the distancing level, including colatecs and dance halls, direct sales promotion centers, singing practice rooms, and indoor standing concert venues.

This new measure simplifies and strengthens previous regulations, requiring masks to be worn at all times indoors regardless of the distancing level, with fines imposed for violations.

According to the CDCH, transportation means such as buses, taxis, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles, as well as buildings and all structures enclosed on all sides and separated from the outside, are considered 'indoors.' Outdoors, masks are mandatory when it is impossible to maintain a distance of 2 meters between people or when multiple people gather for assemblies, performances, or events.

Furthermore, during epidemiological investigations or if the same individual is repeatedly caught not wearing a mask at a single establishment, fines can be imposed immediately without prior guidance on mask wearing.

A CDCH official stated, "Fines are set at 100,000 KRW for individuals not wearing masks and 1,500,000 KRW for operators who neglect their management and operational duties."

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