Ahead of Mask Mandate Lift, COVID-19 Spread Remains a Variable... Experts Say "Lift Must Happen"

[Asia Economy Reporter Byun Seon-jin] As the government plans to shift the indoor mask mandate introduced after COVID-19 to a recommendation, the spread of the 7th wave this winter remains severe. Experts say, "Even after the government lifts the legal obligation to wear masks indoors, it is important to clearly convey the message that wearing masks remains crucial."

Recently, quarantine indicators have worsened. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 16th, the number of new confirmed cases was recorded at 66,953. This is an increase of 4,219 from 62,734 on the 9th, a week earlier. It is the highest number of confirmed cases on a Friday in 14 weeks since September 9 (69,391). The number of critically ill patients was 474, and deaths were 66. On the other hand, vaccination rates remain slow. As of midnight on the same day, the additional winter vaccination rate was 26.7% for those aged 60 and over and 44.2% for infection-vulnerable facilities, falling far short of the government’s targets of 50% and 60%, respectively.

The government views the timing for lifting the mask mandate as between January and March next year, barring any variables that make medical response difficult due to a surge in COVID-19 patients. Detailed evaluation indicators include the number of confirmed cases, severe hospital beds, critically ill patients, and deaths. The basic policy is to lift the mask-wearing obligation in indoor facilities such as restaurants and cafes, except for some high-risk facilities.

Support for lifting the legal obligation to wear masks indoors... "Continuing to wear them is important"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts agreed on changing the indoor mask mandate to a recommendation but emphasized that wearing masks remains important. This was discussed at an expert forum held on the 15th to discuss the criteria and timing for lifting indoor mask mandates. After the forum, the government will finalize the adjustment plan on the 23rd following discussions by the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee on the 19th.

Professor Jung Jae-hoon of Gachon University’s Department of Preventive Medicine said, "The moment that most reduces the public’s perceived benefit of the indoor mask mandate is when people wear masks entering restaurants and cafes but take them off while eating. It is desirable to shift indoor mask-wearing from a legal obligation to a medical recommendation. This does not mean we are saying to take masks off."

Professor Jung suggested that the adjustment of the indoor mask mandate should proceed gradually in three stages. The first stage of gradual transition is when the 7th wave of COVID-19 stabilizes; the indoor mandate is lifted, but mask-wearing remains mandatory in medical institutions, public transportation, and other specified facilities, with designated mandatory wear targets. The second stage considers lifting the mandate by age group. Professor Jung believes there is no basis for mandating mask-wearing for infants and toddlers. The third stage is the final phase, where after observing the next resurgence, even the facilities designated in the first stage for mandatory mask-wearing are released. Professor Jung advised, "After lifting the indoor mask mandate, the government needs to establish quarantine standards that are understandable and normative for the public, rather than overly detailed roadmaps."

Advice on government responsibilities during the transition period of quarantine measures such as mask mandate lifting

Advice was also given regarding the government’s responsibilities during the transition period of COVID-19 quarantine measures, including lifting indoor mask mandates.

Professor Lee Jae-gap of Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital’s Department of Infectious Diseases said, "At the peak of confirmed cases, the demand elasticity for severe hospital beds is low, so the government should act at least a month in advance to request hospitals to increase beds." Professor Yoo Myung-soon of Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health said, "If the mandate is adjusted, the government must clearly communicate the message as a 'recommendation' rather than 'take off your masks,' and through repeated communication with the public, it is necessary to observe in which groups mask-wearing changes significantly."

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