"If the mask gets wet, it becomes vulnerable to infection"
The scene from Psy's 'Hmph Show' concert held in 2018 at the auxiliary stadium of Jamsil Sports Complex in Songpa-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The health authorities have once again urged people to refrain from water-splashing festivals related to outdoor summer events, including singer Psy's concert "Heumbok Show," which uses hundreds of tons of water per session.
As news spread that Psy's representative summer concert, Heumbok Show, which had been canceled several times due to COVID-19, is returning after three years, the health authorities' request for restraint has drawn attention. Although there is no regulation banning the act of spraying water during the performance, there is concern that masks getting wet could increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and spread.
Im Sook-young, Head of the Situation Management Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular briefing on the 17th, "When masks get wet, people become more vulnerable to infection, so we strongly urge that festivals not be conducted in a way that involves spraying water."
Regarding "concerns about COVID-19 infection from various outdoor summer events," he explained, "Even if wearing masks outdoors is not mandatory, personal prevention measures such as wearing masks, voluntary social distancing, and hand washing are very important."
Earlier, Ko Jae-young, Head of Crisis Communication at the Disease Control Headquarters (spokesperson for the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), also said at a back briefing on the 16th, "Performances gather many people, which inherently increases the risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission, so guidelines require mask-wearing."
He added, "Generally, wearing masks that are wet with sweat or water is not recommended due to hygiene reasons such as bacterial infection and because moisture makes breathing difficult, making it hard to keep masks on continuously."
Psy's side announced through Interpark Ticket's notice that a waterproof mask will be provided to all audience members on the day of the 'Heumbbeok Show' performance. / Photo by Interpark Ticket website capture
In response, Psy's side announced through Interpark Ticket that "each audience member will be provided with one waterproof mask free of charge. Wearing masks is an important personal prevention measure to prevent COVID-19 infection. Entry will be denied without wearing a personal mask."
They added, "While one waterproof mask will be provided per audience member, wearing a personal mask separately is mandatory."
Meanwhile, the outdoor mask-wearing mandate was lifted on the 2nd of last month. However, masks must be worn at all times during outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people (participants) and outdoor performances or sports events with 50 or more spectators. However, masks are not required in outdoor swimming pools or in water even if there are more than 50 people or if people are within 1 meter of each other.
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