"Take Off Masks Indoors" vs "Too Anxious to Do So" Mask Wearing Sparks Debate

Mandatory Outdoor Mask Wearing Lifted on April 2, Quarantine Exemption for Overseas Arrivals from May 8
Decision on Ending Isolation for Confirmed Cases Expected on May 17
Following Consecutive Easing Measures... Calls for Indoor Mask Mandate to Be Lifted
Reduced Beauty Concerns and Disease Worries, Yet Some Say "Will Keep Wearing"
Health Authorities Urge Caution on Indoor Mask Policy

On the first day of outdoor mask restrictions being lifted, on the 2nd of last month, office workers were seen wearing masks on their way to work near Pangyo Venture Town in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
Seongnam - Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Due to the aftermath of COVID-19, differing opinions have emerged among citizens regarding whether to wear masks, which were once mandatory. Following the lifting of the outdoor mask mandate and the exemption of quarantine for overseas arrivals, quarantine guidelines have been significantly relaxed, leading to questions about the actual effectiveness of wearing masks. On the other hand, some argue that mask-wearing is a reliable preventive measure that can help stop the spread of infectious diseases not only to oneself but also to others.

Currently, quarantine guidelines are being eased step by step. The government announced that after lifting the outdoor mask mandate on the 2nd of last month and exempting quarantine for overseas arrivals on the 8th of this month, it will announce on the 17th whether to lift the quarantine obligation for COVID-19 confirmed cases. Im Suk-young, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), stated at a regular briefing held on the morning of the 14th at the Osong KDCA in Cheongju, "The government is reviewing various options, including lifting or maintaining the quarantine obligation."

Im also said, "We are not reviewing with a predetermined direction," indicating that in addition to a full lifting of the quarantine obligation for confirmed cases, various options including maintaining the obligation are under consideration, raising the possibility of shortening the quarantine period. Furthermore, she stated that follow-up measures related to lifting the quarantine obligation, such as the scope of treatment cost support for confirmed cases and guaranteeing the 'right to rest when sick,' will be presented together.

If the quarantine obligation for confirmed cases is fully lifted, the only remaining quarantine guideline will effectively be the indoor mask mandate. Even if it is not a full lifting but a reduction such as shortening the period, it is expected that the relaxation trend will continue as the decline in cases persists and the healthcare system capacity remains sufficient. Recently, the number of confirmed cases has been below 10,000 for six consecutive days, and the occupancy rate of severe and semi-severe beds is also below 10%.

With the consecutive easing of quarantine measures such as the lifting of the outdoor mask-wearing mandate and the exemption of quarantine for overseas arrivals, some citizens are suggesting that indoor mask-wearing should also be left to individual discretion. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In this situation, voices among citizens are calling for indoor mask-wearing to be left to individual discretion. They wear masks when entering indoor places such as restaurants and cafes but take them off as soon as they sit down, making the guidelines feel ineffective.

Shin (35), who started going outside without a mask after the outdoor mask mandate was lifted, said, "I take off my mask when outside, put it on briefly when entering a restaurant or cafe, and take it off again as soon as I sit down. Unless I'm moving around, like going to the restroom or paying, everyone takes off their masks while sitting. The purpose is probably to prevent transmission, but most people just sit at tables and spend time there. I wonder what practical meaning it has."

As fatigue from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic sets in and the weather gets hotter, some express that the discomfort is increasing. Office worker Kim (47) said, "People have really endured a lot by not meeting or going out because of COVID. Now it seems like we're returning to our old daily lives, so I'm hopeful. The number of confirmed cases is decreasing, so I hope indoor mask rules are also relaxed. As the weather gets hotter, the thought of spending time wearing masks again is suffocating, and I don't think I can bear it anymore."

On the other hand, some feel it would be awkward if mask-wearing, which has become routine, is lifted. They found it convenient as wearing masks reduced the burden of makeup and shaving, and also reduced worries about other infectious diseases or minor illnesses. In fact, a survey conducted by Incruit before the outdoor mask mandate was lifted in April showed that among 1,217 adult men and women, 78.1% responded that they would continue wearing masks even after the mandate was lifted. Additionally, 26.3% said they would keep wearing masks even if COVID-19 ends.

University student Lee (25), who said the frequency of wearing makeup decreased after COVID-19, said, "It was convenient to wear a mask even when going out without makeup. Male friends said they shave less often. Once you get used to the convenience, it feels strange to go without a mask. Even if the indoor mask mandate is lifted, I want to keep wearing it."

Choi, in his 40s with two children, said that since his children started wearing masks, various minor illnesses have decreased. He said, "I realized that many diseases can be prevented just by wearing masks. If they keep wearing them, the children will have less worry about catching other infectious diseases or various illnesses."

Meanwhile, health authorities have stated that indoor masks are the 'last line of defense' and should be maintained for the time being. On the 14th, Im emphasized, "Even if you have antibodies, breakthrough infections can occur, and the possibility of infection varies depending on whether and when recovery occurs. If new variants emerge, breakthrough infections can happen. We need to approach indoor mask-wearing more cautiously."