"No Masks Outdoors Starting Tomorrow" ... Masks Required at Gatherings and Performances with 50 or More People

Mandatory Mask Wearing Lifted After 566 Days... Wear Masks When 1m Distancing Is Difficult
Masks Still Required on Public Transport... Recommended for Symptomatic and Unvaccinated Individuals

On the 29th, a citizen was seen walking in Seoul holding a mask in their hand. The government announced at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the same day that the outdoor mask-wearing mandate will be lifted starting May 2. However, the mask-wearing requirement will remain in place for gatherings of 50 or more people, such as assemblies, events, performances, and sports game viewings, where the risk of infection is high due to crowd density and shouting. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] From the 2nd, masks will no longer be required outdoors such as in the mountains, by the sea, parks, or walking trails. Accordingly, the outdoor mask mandate, which first began on October 13, 2020, will be lifted after 566 days. However, even in open outdoor spaces, if people are densely gathered within 1 meter and engaging in face-to-face activities, masks must still be worn as before.

Most Social Distancing and Quarantine Measures Lifted

According to the 'Outdoor Mask Wearing Obligation Adjustment Plan' announced by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 29th of last month, from this day forward, the outdoor mask mandate is lifted, meaning masks are effectively only required indoors. At schools, masks can be removed during physical education classes conducted in groups on outdoor sports fields. Outdoor subway platforms with two or more open sides allowing natural ventilation are also considered outdoor spaces.

However, gatherings of 50 or more people, performances or sports events with over 50 spectators, due to the high density and the likelihood of droplet spread from shouting or singing, require masks to continue to be worn outdoors as well.

Additionally, ▲ individuals with suspected COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or cough ▲ high-risk groups including the elderly, immunocompromised, chronic respiratory disease patients, and unvaccinated persons ▲ outdoor multi-use facilities with seating for 50 or more people such as sports venues with fewer than 50 participants, amusement parks, water parks, and sports facilities ▲ situations where it is difficult to maintain at least 1 meter distance from others for more than 15 minutes or where droplet generation is high due to shouting or singing, strongly recommend wearing masks outdoors.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated, "We judged that we could no longer ignore the frustration and inconvenience of citizens who could not remove masks even when walking alone or during family outings," and requested, "Although the outdoor mask mandate is lifted, we ask the public to voluntarily wear masks outdoors when necessary to prevent infection."

On the 29th, when rain fell nationwide, commuters hurried their steps at Gwanghwamun Intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Fines for Not Wearing Masks Indoors... A Step Closer to Normal Life

The indoor mask mandate remains in effect. Masks must be worn on transportation such as buses, taxis, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles, as well as in buildings and all enclosed structures separated from the outside. Violations may result in fines as before.

Among indoor spaces, it is recommended to wear KF80 or higher-grade medical masks when visiting 3C (closed, crowded, close-contact) facilities or vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and nursing homes. Mesh masks, valve masks, scarves, neck warmers, etc., are not recognized as proper masks.

The government emphasized, "This easing of the outdoor mask mandate limits the places and situations where fines are imposed," and added, "Since mask-wearing outdoors is not completely eliminated, individual voluntary compliance according to the situation is necessary."

Meanwhile, with the lifting of the outdoor mask mandate, most COVID-19 restrictions except for indoor mask-wearing will be removed. Previously, from the 18th of last month, the government fully lifted social distancing measures including limits on private gatherings, business hours, event and assembly sizes, and religious activities. From the 25th, indoor dining was allowed in movie theaters, indoor sports facilities, and religious facilities. The COVID-19 infectious disease classification was downgraded from level 1 to level 2, advancing the normalization of the healthcare system.

Health authorities and experts are monitoring the recent decline in confirmed cases, expecting it to continue for a while but anticipate a plateau around 40,000 cases per day, with the possibility of a resurgence starting in the fall.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said, "Quarantine measures inherently restrict citizens' basic rights, so it is essential to flexibly adjust them according to the situation," and added, "Necessary measures will be reviewed again in response to changing circumstances."

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