July Outdoor Vaccination First Dose Recipients 'NO Mask'

Support Measures for Daily Life Recovery of Vaccinated Individuals
Exceptions to Capacity Limits at Restaurants, Cafes, and Wedding Halls
Reduced Restrictions on Family Gatherings and Senior Centers
Experts "Welcome... Some Measures Hinder Quarantine Efforts"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is delivering opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held on the 26th at the Government Seoul Office on Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy reporters Seo So-jeong and Son Seon-hee] Starting from July, people who have received only one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to remove their masks outdoors. Additionally, they will no longer be subject to the specified capacity limits at places such as restaurants, cafes, and wedding halls.

On the 26th, the government held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, where they finalized the "Support Measures for Daily Life Recovery for Vaccinated Individuals" containing these details.

Accordingly, from July, individuals who have received their first dose will not be required to wear masks outdoors in places like parks or hiking trails. They will also be exempt from capacity restrictions during outdoor multi-use facilities or regular religious activities. Currently, the allowed number of participants for in-person religious activities at churches, cathedrals, and temples is 20% of seating capacity in the metropolitan area and 30% in non-metropolitan areas; first-dose recipients will be excluded from these restrictions.

Prior to this, starting from the 1st of next month, people who have received their first vaccine dose will no longer be subject to the current limit of 8 people for immediate family gatherings. Restrictions on meetings and activities at senior centers and welfare centers will also be eased.

Prime Minister Kim stated, "After the end of September, when over 70% of the population will have received their first dose, we will comprehensively readjust quarantine standards," adding, "We will also consider easing indoor mask-wearing requirements once herd immunity is achieved." He continued, "In addition to the measures announced today, the government will implement further relaxation measures as appropriate," and emphasized, "If the private sector actively implements various benefits for fully vaccinated individuals, it will greatly contribute to the early overcoming of COVID-19."

Experts have welcomed these measures but pointed out that some steps, such as easing mask-wearing, may be premature.

Professor Jung Jae-hoon of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Gachon University College of Medicine said, "The government's introduction of incentives is positive in raising the currently low vaccination rate among the elderly, but incentives should not compromise quarantine efforts," adding, "Since the number of new confirmed cases has risen back to the 700s within 12 days and concerns about the spread of variant viruses are increasing, a cautious approach is necessary."

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