Despite Signs of a COVID-19 Resurgence... Wearing Masks Draws 'Disapproving Glances' Instead

Daily Average Confirmed Cases Near 30,000
1 in 10 Commuters Wearing Masks
Convenience Stores See Sharp Drop in Mask Sales

"These days, I often hear people asking if I still wear a mask. It feels like I'm being treated as a sensitive person, so it doesn't feel very good."

On the afternoon of the 20th, Park Yong-jun (34), whom we met in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, was wearing a mask despite the scorching heat with daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. He wore a mask out of caution due to signs of a COVID-19 resurgence, but he was very conscious of the people around him. Park said, "I'm debating whether I should keep wearing the mask or take it off."

On the same day, even on the crowded Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 5 during rush hour, only about one in ten people were wearing masks. Most of the mask wearers were middle-aged or older. Lee Heon-ju (63), whom we met on the subway, said, "I had COVID-19 once, and the aftereffects were severe," adding, "Since I am older, I wear a mask for safety."

While there is an awareness that middle-aged and older adults are a high-risk group, among younger people, not wearing masks has become natural, and those who do wear them are sometimes treated as 'odd ones out.' Kang So-ri (37) said, "Many people cough when riding the bus or subway," and added, "Since I am raising a child, I try to be as careful as possible not to get infected, but it still worries me." Park Jae-sung (36) also said, "When I wear a mask alone at work, someone passing by jokingly asks if I don't trust other team members, which makes me feel uncomfortable."

People wearing masks and those not wearing masks are walking mixed together in a downtown area of Seoul.
Photo by Yoon Dong-joo

Recently, as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases approaches 30,000, concerns about a resurgence are growing. However, with the advent of the 'No Mask' era, people who wear masks are ironically being scrutinized. The mask-wearing mandate was fully lifted last month except in hospitals, but it remains a recommendation. Health authorities especially encourage mask-wearing for those aged 65 and older, people with underlying conditions, residents of care facilities, and confirmed cases.

Not wearing masks has already become the norm. This trend is also reflected in mask sales. From the 1st to the 18th of this month, mask sales at major convenience stores dropped sharply by 34.9% to 51.5% compared to the same period last year. This is attributed to the widespread removal of masks due to the intense heat and the overall relaxation of preventive measures.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, the average daily number of confirmed cases in the second week of this month (9th?15th) was 26,708, nearly 5,000 more than the previous week. With the start of the summer vacation season, outdoor activities and travel have increased, raising concerns that the spread could accelerate rapidly. Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital said, "COVID-19 is still at a manageable level, so we need to monitor infection trends, but management of group infections in nursing hospitals and protection of the elderly seem necessary. Currently, mask-wearing is recommended, but it has become as if it is okay to take them off. It is important for health authorities to deliver appropriate messages."

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