[Q&A] Masks Completely Removed Outdoors Starting Today... Indoor Policy "Under Discussion"

On the 25th, one day before the full outdoor mask mandate is lifted, citizens visiting Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, are enjoying active walks such as cycling. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] From the 26th, the government has shifted the mask-wearing mandate, which had been enforced as 'mandatory' for two years, to 'voluntary practice' outdoors. Accordingly, no fines will be imposed for not wearing masks during group activities of 50 or more people, rallies, or sports event attendance. However, the mask-wearing mandate remains in place indoors and on public transportation.

When did the mask-wearing mandate begin?

The mask-wearing mandate was first implemented on October 13, 2020, primarily targeting multi-use facilities and vulnerable infection facilities. From April last year, if a 2-meter distance could not be maintained, masks had to be worn both indoors and outdoors, with a fine of 100,000 KRW imposed for violations. From May 2 of this year, the outdoor mask mandate was mostly lifted, and the mandate was only applied to gatherings of 50 or more people, performances, and sports event attendance. From that day, the mask-wearing mandate was removed from all outdoor areas.

On what basis was the outdoor mask-wearing mandate lifted?

The quarantine authorities reportedly made the decision considering the stabilized quarantine situation after the peak of the resurgence, high public awareness of mask-wearing regardless of regulations, and overseas cases. According to a survey conducted by Korea Research on public awareness of mask-wearing regardless of regulations, in July, 61% reported continuous outdoor mask-wearing and 74% continuous indoor mask-wearing. In a survey conducted from the 12th to 16th of last month, continuous outdoor mask-wearing rose slightly to 64%, and indoor mask-wearing to 75%.

Is it acceptable to remove masks outdoors where many people gather?

Although no fines will be imposed, authorities recommend that high-risk groups for COVID-19 voluntarily wear masks in such situations. Mask-wearing is recommended outdoors for those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or sore throat, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, unvaccinated persons, and in crowded situations involving activities that generate droplets (such as singing or shouting).

How is indoor and outdoor distinguished?

The definition of 'indoor,' where the mask mandate still applies, is any structure enclosed on all sides and separated from the outside. This includes buildings and transportation vehicles. If the ceiling and roof or two or more sides are open allowing natural ventilation, the area is considered outdoor, according to the authorities.

What is the status of mask-wearing mandates in other countries?

New Zealand ended its COVID-19 traffic light system on the 13th and relaxed indoor mask-wearing mandates. Australia lifted the mask mandate on airplanes from the 9th. Among OECD countries, the United States and six European countries have no mask-wearing mandates. In 16 other countries, mask-wearing is mandatory only in specific places such as medical facilities, and no country mandates masks in all indoor spaces.

Could the indoor mask-wearing mandate also be lifted?

According to quarantine authorities, discussions on relaxing indoor mask-wearing and mask use for infants and young children have just begun at the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee. Among experts, opinions vary, with some advocating for switching to voluntary mask-wearing and others recommending maintaining the mandate considering the simultaneous flu outbreak. Authorities stated that they will make future decisions after considering the COVID-19 and flu epidemic situations, clarifying the effects and negative impacts of masks, and conducting further discussions.