CDCHQ Explains Criteria for Adjusting Indoor Mask Mandate on the 23rd (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] Amid the continued spread of COVID-19, the criteria for adjusting the indoor mask-wearing mandate will be announced on the 23rd.

Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare (First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for COVID-19), presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 14th, stating, "We will also prepare to move toward a better daily life."

The quarantine authorities will start collecting expert opinions on adjusting remaining quarantine measures, including the indoor mask-wearing mandate, beginning with the first discussion forum on the 15th. The government expects the lifting of the indoor mask mandate to occur between January and March next year.

The spread of COVID-19 continues. Minister Cho explained, "The infection reproduction number is 1.04, exceeding 1 for eight consecutive weeks, and the cumulative confirmed cases have reached 27.9 million, which is 54% of the population. The reinfection rate has also increased to 14.7%."

Minister Cho added, "In today's meeting, we will discuss workplace measures to respond to the COVID-19 resurgence," emphasizing, "If you have symptoms, get tested, and if confirmed positive, protect your colleagues and yourself through home treatment. Each workplace needs to encourage telecommuting and the use of annual leave to create a work environment where employees can rest when sick."

He also stressed, "Vaccination is essential to move toward recovery of daily life." Among the 360 deaths in the first week of December, 92.5% were aged 60 or older, but the vaccination rate for those aged 60 and above remains low at 24.9%.

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