Prime Minister Han Duck-soo: "Full Lifting of Outdoor Mask Mandate from the 26th"

"Indoor Mask Wearing to Be Maintained for the Time Being... Considering the Increase in Influenza and the Possibility of COVID-19 Resurgence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The government will fully lift the outdoor mask mandate starting from the 26th. However, considering the increase in flu patients and the possibility of a winter COVID-19 resurgence, the indoor mask-wearing requirement will be maintained for the time being.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 23rd, "The government will lift low-risk quarantine regulations one by one after consulting experts, taking into account the quarantine situation and public inconvenience."

Prime Minister Han first said, "We are clearly past the peak of the COVID-19 resurgence. I thank the public for consistently cooperating with quarantine efforts even without uniform social distancing."

He then explained, "Currently, masks are mandatory at outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people, performances, and sports event viewing, but considering the relatively low risk of outdoor infection, this requirement will be lifted starting next Monday (the 26th) after administrative procedures."

Prime Minister Han also said, "However, the indoor mask-wearing mandate will be maintained for the time being," explaining that this is a measure considering the increase in flu patients and the possibility of a winter COVID-19 resurgence.

He added, "For infection prevention, wearing masks indoors, hand washing, and regular ventilation remain the best quarantine measures," urging individuals to continue their personal quarantine efforts.

At this meeting, Prime Minister Han also announced the results of an antibody positivity rate survey conducted by the government on about 10,000 citizens. He explained, "About 97% were found to have antibodies through vaccination and natural infection."

He continued, "The antibody positivity rate from natural infection was about 57%, approximately 19 percentage points higher than the cumulative confirmed case rate during the same period. This means there are about 20% undiagnosed infections," adding, "We will continue to accumulate data by conducting long-term follow-up surveys on antibody level changes and use this data for policy making."

Prime Minister Han also said, "Currently, about 210,000 citizens are undergoing home treatment, and 360,000 elderly people in nursing hospitals and facilities are facing situations where they cannot even hold the hands of their visiting children. This is why the quarantine authorities must remain vigilant and work hard. Until the day we completely overcome COVID-19, the government will do its best."