Hot Weather Continues, 'No Mask' Without Masks and 'Tukseukeu' Wearing Masks on Chin Cause Conflicts Everywhere
Civilians Express Frustration: "Isn't Anyone Uncomfortable? Wear a Mask"
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Please endure the heat and keep wearing your mask. Don’t others feel hot too?"
As the humid weather continues, various conflicts over wearing masks to prevent COVID-19 are arising.
While some citizens insist on wearing masks despite breathing difficulties to prevent COVID-19, others argue that wearing a mask on the chin, known as 'teokseukeu,' depending on the situation, is acceptable. In some cases, these conflicts have even escalated into physical altercations.
On the night of the 24th, a dispute over so-called 'teokseukeu' occurred on Seoul Subway Line 7. A middle-aged woman on the subway asked a young man wearing his mask on his chin to wear it properly.
However, the young man expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Get off, just get off. I’m telling you to get off, but you won’t. What did I do to deserve this? Hey, let go." The conflict over mask-wearing in the hot weather escalated into a major argument.
Conflicts over masks have also occurred recently. On the morning of the 28th, a bus driver operating a route in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, had an exchange with a passenger. Kim, a passenger in his 70s, raised his voice, saying, "There are people riding the bus without masks. Shouldn’t they be told to get off?"
The bus driver responded, "For passengers without masks, the company provides masks. They are available next to the driver’s seat, so there is no problem." However, Kim said loudly, "You should stop them before they get on, what’s the use after they’re already on?"
Opinions among citizens about wearing masks in the hot weather vary. A man in his 30s, office worker A, said, "It’s a bit hard to breathe when wearing a mask in humid weather," but added, "Still, this is the best way to prevent COVID." He emphasized, "Not just for me, but for others and my family, we need to wear masks."
Seoul Subway Line 2. Citizens are boarding the subway while wearing masks. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Another office worker in his 40s, B, said, "I think it’s okay to briefly hang the mask on the chin if it feels stuffy," but raised his voice, "But some people just wear it on their chin all the time. They only think about their own convenience."
On the other hand, some believe that briefly wearing a mask on the chin is acceptable. Park, a company employee in his 30s, said, "I don’t keep the mask on my chin for long. I think a short time is okay." He explained, "Because COVID is socially sensitive and there is anxiety, I think these disputes happen."
Another company employee in his 40s, Kim, said, "It might depend on the situation," adding, "I think wearing a mask is essential, not optional, especially in spaces with older people rather than young people." He emphasized, "If you feel uneasy or might unknowingly infect others, you must wear a mask."
Meanwhile, the government stated that due to the hot weather, breathing difficulties may occur, so if a distance of 2 meters or more can be maintained, wearing a mask is not necessary.
However, in public places such as buses or subways where distancing is not properly maintained, masks must be worn despite discomfort.
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said at a regular briefing held on the 22nd at the Osong CDC in Chungbuk, "Wearing masks is important to prevent COVID-19, but wearing masks outdoors in hot weather can increase heart rate, respiratory rate, and perceived temperature, which can burden the body." She added, "If a distance of 2 meters or more can be maintained, it is recommended not to wear a mask."
She continued, "If distancing is not possible and masks must be worn outdoors while working, take breaks in places where sufficient distance from others can be maintained and remove the mask during rest."
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