40-Degree Heatwave and Delta Variant... The Disposable Mask Dilemma

Experts "At least KF80 required"
Citizens "Can't endure the recent heat"
Authorities "Only principle of correct wearing"

On the 12th, when the Level 4 social distancing measures were implemented in the Seoul metropolitan area, commuters hurried along wearing masks at Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5 in Seoul. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Level 4 in the metropolitan area will be enforced from midnight on that day until midnight on the 25th, for two weeks. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Amid the '4th wave' of COVID-19 and a heatwave, more citizens are opting for disposable masks instead of health masks.

Office worker Song Hae-rin (25) said, "I try to wear a KF94 mask whenever possible, but these days it's so suffocating that I can't stand it," adding, "I think disposable masks were also considered effective in preventing infection during the early stages of the outbreak." She continued, "My skin is sensitive, and wearing health masks worsens my skin troubles," and "The area around my mouth often feels sore and irritated, so I have no choice but to use thin disposable masks."

Experts recommend wearing health masks as the Delta variant, which is about 2.7 times more transmissible, spreads rapidly and contact with others inevitably increases during the vacation season.

Professor Cheon Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said, "Simply hanging a disposable mask on the ears reduces the droplet blocking rate to about 38% to 40%," adding, "Most people do not wear disposable masks tightly, but even if it is hot, at least a KF80 mask should be worn to prevent infectious diseases." Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Infectious Diseases Department at Korea University Guro Hospital also pointed out, "The Delta variant has more than twice the fatality rate and transmissibility compared to the original virus," and "Disposable masks are inevitably more vulnerable to preventing COVID-19 than health medical masks like KF80 or KF94."

Professor Kim added, "Although the virus activity tends to be lower in summer, most people stay indoors with air conditioning running rather than going outside, which increases the possibility of aerosol (small solid and liquid particles suspended in the air) infection through droplets." He explained that while using cooling devices such as fans and air conditioners during heatwaves, caution is needed as indoor air recirculation and airflow can spread droplets.

Initially, the quarantine authorities stirred controversy by stating that other types of masks, such as dental masks, could be worn except when caring for suspected COVID-19 patients. The authorities only gave a general response, saying, "For infection prevention indoors, more important than the type of mask is regular ventilation and continuously wearing the mask correctly."

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