Ruling Party and Government "Considering Plan to Change Indoor Mask-Wearing from 'Mandatory to Recommended' Upon Meeting Certain Criteria"

Report on Party-Government Agreement
Excluding Pharmacies, Nursing Hospitals, Hospitals, Social Welfare Facilities
"Benefits of Lifting Restrictions Are Greater"

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Youngwon Kim] On the 22nd, the People Power Party and the government held a party-government consultative meeting to discuss lifting the indoor mask-wearing mandate and changing it to a recommendation.

Seong Il-jong, the Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, told reporters after the meeting, "The quarantine authorities reported plans to lift the indoor mask-wearing mandate and change it to a recommendation if certain criteria are met," adding, "Some high-risk facilities such as pharmacies, nursing homes, hospitals, and social welfare facilities will be excluded." Public transportation is also expected to be included.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Seong also stated, "The People Power Party reflected experts' suggestions that there were times when people confidently removed masks, urging a bolder and faster lifting of the mandate," explaining, "Considering that the severity of COVID-19 variants is significantly lower and the harms of prolonged indoor mask-wearing?such as breathing difficulties and delays in children's language development?are taken into account, the benefits of lifting the mandate outweigh the risks."

He added, "Given the public's experience and capability in voluntarily adhering to quarantine rules and the scientific evidence showing an antibody formation rate of 97.3%, experts have expressed that there is no reason to continue wearing indoor masks, and this opinion was conveyed to the government."

Additionally, the People Power Party conveyed the opinion that the mandatory isolation period for COVID-19 confirmed cases should be unified to three days instead of one week.

However, regarding whether the recommendation might revert to a mandate if COVID-19 cases surge, Seong responded, "If the number of patients suddenly increases or a new variant emerges, the government may reinstate the mask mandate to prevent COVID-19."

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