Public Transport Mask Mandate Lift Imminent... "Caution Needed for Quarantine End on the 7th"

Professor Lee Jaegap, Infectious Diseases, KBS Interview
"7-Day Quarantine Difficult to Lift Without Support for Vulnerable Labor Groups"

As the COVID-19 pandemic shows a stable trend, the government is considering lifting the mask-wearing mandate on public transportation. However, experts have raised cautious opinions regarding the 7-day isolation requirement for confirmed cases, stating that "an environment where people can rest when they are sick must be ensured."

On the 14th, Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital stated in an interview on KBS Radio's 'Joo Jin-woo Live' that "(COVID-19) has a strong transmission power and reinfection is possible even for those who have been infected once."

Professor Lee pointed out, "If the 7-day isolation requirement for confirmed cases is lifted, many workplaces, including large and small businesses, will likely stop granting sick leave and instead require employees to use their personal vacation days." He added, "Without support for vulnerable labor groups such as daily workers who cannot afford to take time off even when sick, lifting the 7-day isolation requirement will be difficult."

Regarding the mask-wearing mandate on public transportation, Professor Lee said, "The recent epidemic situation has remained stable even after the indoor mask mandate was lifted last January. The overall number of cases, severe patients, and deaths has significantly decreased, and a large portion of the population has been vaccinated. More than 30 million people have been confirmed infected," indicating that it is an appropriate time to consider lifting the mandate.

However, he noted, "Although the number of severe patients is below 200, they still exist, and about ten deaths occur daily, so COVID-19 remains a dangerous disease for immunocompromised and high-risk groups," adding, "The mask-wearing mandate should be maintained in vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals."

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is scheduled to announce specific plans regarding the lifting of the mask-wearing mandate on public transportation on the 15th. The transition to a recommendation is likely to take effect from the 20th. However, the mask mandate is expected to remain in place for medical institutions such as hospitals and public health centers, as well as infection-vulnerable facilities for the time being.

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