Still Have to Endure 3 More Months... Rapid Increase of Subway 'Mask Bulryangjok'

14,503 Cases of Subway Mask Non-Wearing and Improper Wearing Last Month
Sharp Increase Since May When Outdoor Mask Mandate Was Lifted

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] The National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Committee) and authorities have expressed a cautious stance on lifting indoor mask mandates. Since the outdoor mask mandate was lifted last May, the number of cases of not wearing or improperly wearing masks on the subway has surged to about twice the previous level.

According to Seoul Metro on the 24th, the number of cases of not wearing or improperly wearing masks on the subway last month was 14,503, which is about twice the 7,308 cases recorded in March this year. In particular, starting from May, when outdoor mask-wearing became voluntary, the number of cases of not wearing or improperly wearing masks increased sharply. Monthly figures are as follows: △April 6,782 △May 10,053 △June 13,680 △July 16,275 △August 16,214. This is interpreted as a result of the relaxation of vigilance regarding indoor mask-wearing following the lifting of the outdoor mask mandate.

Although cases of not wearing masks indoors are increasing, there is also analysis that it is premature to lift the indoor mask mandate. With various respiratory infectious diseases such as seasonal flu, human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus) spreading, a resurgence of COVID-19 would cause confusion in the medical field.

On this day, Jeong Gi-seok, chairman of the Advisory Committee and advisor on COVID-19 prevention policy, stated in a briefing regarding the lifting of the indoor mask mandate, "Now is not the time to take masks off," adding, "We need to endure for three months." Chairman Jeong said, "If infections increase but no one dies and treatment can be managed without problems in intensive care units, then we would say to remove indoor masks, but that is not the current situation," emphasizing, "Moreover, we are entering the winter season, which is favorable for COVID-19 activity."

Meanwhile, the increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases continues, indicating that the 7th resurgence is imminent. Professor Jeong Jae-hoon of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Gachon University College of Medicine mentioned on Facebook, "A specific variant will rapidly rise and become dominant around early to mid-November, and the peak of the 7th resurgence will form between December and March next year," referring to November to December as the period when the resurgence will intensify.

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