Mask Non-Wearing Fine of 100,000 Won? Citizens Say "Unrealistic," "Excessive Enforcement"

On the 12th, one day before the start of the mask non-wearing fine enforcement, a related notice was installed at Lotte Department Store in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] As the government has decided to impose fines on those who do not wear masks in multi-use facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and public transportation starting today (the 13th), some citizens are responding that the enforcement is excessive.

There are criticisms that imposing fines at a time when mask-wearing has already become a daily habit is too restrictive. Some also point out that policies requiring masks to be worn except when in baths at bathhouses or swimming pools lack practicality. On the other hand, since the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) remains high, there are opinions that the 'mandatory mask-wearing' is absolutely necessary.

Experts have pointed out that implementing such policies when the entire population is generally complying well with mask-wearing is excessive.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters and others, starting from the 13th, fines may be imposed for violating quarantine guidelines such as mask-wearing orders. This is based on the revised Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act implemented last month, marking the end of a one-month guidance period and the start of full-scale enforcement.

Accordingly, violators may be fined up to 100,000 won regardless of the number of offenses. Facility managers and operators who fail to properly inform users about mask-wearing obligations and other quarantine guidelines may be fined 1.5 million won for the first violation and 3 million won from the second violation onward. Masks must always be worn except in unavoidable situations such as eating, drinking, or being underwater or inside a bath.

Even if a mask is worn, if it does not fully cover the mouth or nose, such as 'tuck mask' or 'nose mask' styles, it will be considered as not wearing a mask and fines may be imposed. Cloth or disposable masks are acceptable, but mesh-type or valve-type masks are not recognized.

Exemptions from fines include those who have difficulty putting on or taking off masks without assistance, people with underlying conditions who find it hard to breathe while wearing a mask, and children under 14 years old.

The quarantine authorities clarified that fines will not be imposed immediately upon detection, but will be applied if the recommendation to wear masks is repeatedly ignored.

On the 13th, when the mandatory mask-wearing began, Seoul Metro officials conducted a mask-wearing campaign at Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5 in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

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Among some citizens, there are reactions that such enforcement is excessive. Since mask-wearing has already become a daily habit, imposing fines is seen as overly controlling.

Jo, a worker in his 20s, said, "I understand the intention, but the policy that fines can be imposed feels intimidating. Most people are already wearing masks properly. If there are people not wearing masks in some public places, I hope those individuals are properly punished. I don't think fines should be imposed on the general public."

Another office worker, Seo (35), said, "With this level of enforcement, people might as well not leave their homes. It's too unrealistic to require masks when leaving the bath in bathhouses. If there are concerns about quarantine, risky facilities should be controlled instead. Creating guidelines that are hard to follow and blaming the public for not complying seems irresponsible."

There are also disgruntled voices questioning why facility managers should be held responsible for fines when customers do not wear masks.

On the other hand, as new COVID-19 cases again reach triple digits and concerns about cluster infections grow, there are claims that 'mandatory mask-wearing' is essential.

One netizen said, "I often see articles about people causing trouble when asked to wear masks on subways and other places. Because of such people causing harm, strong enforcement is necessary."

Experts pointed out that implementing such policies when the entire population is already generally complying well with mask-wearing is excessive.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "While mask-wearing can be recommended for quarantine, imposing fines can burden citizens. Strong measures are needed for some who do not comply, but imposing fines on the entire population is inappropriate. In the COVID-19 era, 100,000 won may not be a trivial amount for citizens."

Professor Kim added, "Above all, the government should be the one making efforts for quarantine. Recently, the number of new cases has consistently recorded triple digits, and even though the criteria for maintaining social distancing level 1 have been exceeded, distancing measures have not been strengthened. The government should implement quarantine measures according to guidelines before demanding compliance from the public."

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