Government "Reviewing Adjustment of Mask-Wearing Mandate... Prioritizing Outdoor Settings" (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The government is considering adjusting the mask-wearing mandate that remains indoors entirely and partially outdoors.

Park Hye-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters' Disease Control Support Team, stated at the regular briefing that "the resurgence caused by the BA.5 variant has passed its peak, and the infection reproduction number remains stable, so the review of the necessity to adjust the mask-wearing mandate is currently underway."

Park explained the background by saying, "For a sustainable disease control system, there is ongoing public consensus that it is preferable to move towards habitual compliance with disease control guidelines based on voluntary participation rather than legal enforcement such as fines."

However, even if the mask-wearing mandate is adjusted, it is expected to proceed gradually starting with outdoor settings. Currently, the mask mandate for most outdoor areas has been lifted, but masks must still be worn at gatherings or events with 50 or more people. Park said, "Since mask-wearing is the most basic disease control measure against respiratory infectious diseases, the government and committee members agree that it is necessary to proceed step-by-step starting from areas with lower transmission risk," adding, "Outdoors have relatively lower infection risk, so if the remaining mandate is lifted, it would be the first area to consider."

The relaxation of the mask-wearing mandate for infants and young children is also expected to be reviewed. Currently, only infants under 24 months are exempt from the mask mandate. Park said, "Since the legal mask-wearing mandate indoors was implemented, concerns about side effects of mask-wearing on infants and young children have persisted," and added, "We are fully aware of issues related to emotional, language, and social development side effects, so when reviewing the relaxation of the mask mandate, we will carefully consider the target groups and timing before making an announcement."

The government and the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee will continue to review adjustments to the mask-wearing mandate considering the future trends of COVID-19 and influenza outbreaks.

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