[Report] "Oh~ Customer, Please Wear a Mask" Roadside Quarantine Warriors, Taxi and Bus Drivers

Changes in Daily Life After 'Mandatory Mask Wearing' on Public Transport
Various Disputes Over Requests to Get Off for Not Wearing Masks
Most Citizens Welcome Mask Wearing Atmosphere

Inside view of a taxi boarded in the Euljiro area, Jung-gu, Seoul. A notice urging passengers to wear masks is attached to the back of the car seat, clearly visible to passengers. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Oh~ You absolutely must not take off your mask. You might not be able to use the taxi."

On the afternoon of the 28th, Mr. A, a taxi driver in his 60s whom I met around Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, said to me as a passenger, "Recently, passengers tell me to get off immediately if they are not wearing masks."

Since the 26th, according to the quarantine authorities' 'Strengthened Quarantine Measures in the Transportation Sector,' people not wearing masks due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are not allowed to use taxis or buses.

Until now, taxi and bus drivers who refuse passenger boarding were subject to fines, but it was decided to exempt fines only for passengers not wearing masks.

As a result, various disputes, big and small, have occurred. For example, some passengers forget their masks during rush hour and ask the driver to continue driving as is.

Taxi driver A said, "Normally, it's not allowed, but when they plead, what can I do?" adding, "I will take them safely to their destination." However, he added, "It depends on the situation. If they openly refuse to wear a mask or ignore the driver's request, I explain clearly that I may refuse boarding."

Another taxi driver in his 60s showed a firm attitude, saying he does not pick up passengers without masks at all.

Taxi driver B emphasized, "I absolutely do not allow people who are not wearing masks to get in my taxi."

He added, "Honestly, it can be a bit awkward with passengers, but for the sake of the next passengers and my family, I have no choice." He also stressed, "I always ask passengers who wear masks but take them off inside the taxi to wear them properly."

The rear door of a bus operating around Jongno. A notice is posted stating that citizens without masks cannot board the bus due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

A bus driver I met while boarding a bus around Jongno explained, "For citizens without masks, the (bus) company provides masks on its own." He continued, "Of course, there are people who board the bus without masks, but we reluctantly allow them on."

Citizens generally welcome the government's 'mandatory mask' policy. A citizen in their 40s whom I met around Jongno said, "Isn't it to prevent COVID?" and added, "For the sake of ending this situation quickly, stronger government measures are also fine."

Another citizen in their 50s said, "I have always worn a mask, so the mandatory mask policy does not cause me any inconvenience," adding, "I hope more people participate so that COVID ends quickly."

Meanwhile, quarantine authorities urged thorough disinfection of public transportation vehicles and strengthening of personal hygiene among users.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said, "All viruses and bacteria enter through hands, so if you practice just two things well?'hand washing' and 'not touching your face'?you can prevent viruses from entering your body," requesting everyone to comply with personal quarantine rules in daily life.