[Report] "Please Wear a Mask" Indoor Mask Mandate Still Not in Place... Convenience Store and Cafe Employees 'Embarrassed'

Outdoor Mask Mandate Lifted..."Indoor Rules Apply After 7th Dose"
Entering Indoor Venues Without Masks...Staff Sigh
"Different Indoor and Outdoor Rules Are Inconvenient," Some Keep Wearing Masks

As the outdoor mask mandate has been lifted, there are opinions that the number of people entering indoor establishments without wearing masks has increased. Photo by Kim Jeongwan kjw106@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] "They forget when they come in, they forget when they come to order. I'm tired of telling them every time."

At around 10 a.m. on the 28th, Yang (27), who was working at a cafe in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, said that since the outdoor mask mandate was lifted, more customers have been entering without masks. Yang said, "Some people come in from outside without masks on or come to order without wearing one after taking a seat," adding, "Since there are still people who wear masks thoroughly outdoors, we keep informing customers because complaints may arise when taking orders from those without masks."

He added, "When sitting down to drink or talk, many definitely take off their masks," and "Since they take off masks both outside and while seated, it seems inconvenient or they simply forget." In fact, a young man walking toward the cafe while looking at his phone without a mask hurriedly found and put on the mask on his arm as he opened the cafe door.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), the outdoor mask-wearing mandate was lifted starting this week. Therefore, people suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms, high-risk groups, or those in crowded situations are only 'strongly recommended' to wear masks outdoors, but wearing masks is no longer mandatory. This comes 532 days after the outdoor mask mandate was implemented in April last year.

Citizens who have been fatigued from long-term mask-wearing said they do not wear masks whenever they go outdoors. Park (22), who was waiting for a bus near the cafe, said, "It's great to enjoy outdoor activities like festivals or sports games without masks," adding, "I hope the day comes soon when we can take off masks indoors as well."

Citizens who felt suffocated from wearing masks for a long time said they take off their masks whenever they move from indoors to outdoors. Photo by Kim Jeongwan kjw106@

Kim (24), a university student who headed to a nearby convenience store without a mask, took off his mask again immediately after purchasing items. He said, "Now I always go around without a mask on the street," adding, "I wear it indoors because I have to, but honestly, I only wear it out of social pressure, not as a preventive measure like before."

However, the indoor mask mandate is expected to remain for the time being. Jung Ki-seok, head of the CDSCH COVID-19 Special Response Team and member of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, said at a briefing on the 26th, "We cannot predict the 7th wave, but it is always good to be prepared, and it is better to be somewhat excessive in disaster preparedness than to respond inadequately," emphasizing, "The indoor mask mandate will be lifted only when the 7th wave passes significantly or lightly, stabilizes to some extent, and everyone takes off masks simultaneously to avoid confusion."

Because masks can be removed outdoors but must be worn again when entering indoors, there are opinions that more people are visiting indoor establishments such as cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores without masks. Jung (30), who works at a convenience store in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, said, "Some customers come in without masks when quickly buying cigarettes or drinks," adding, "I think it's because they stay in the store briefly, but since the pandemic is not over yet, I believe we need to be cautious."

In indoor establishments such as convenience stores where the duration of stay is short, the number of customers entering without wearing masks has increased. Photo by Kim Jeongwan kjw106@

Among citizens, there are also opinions that the differing indoor and outdoor mask mandates are inconvenient. Kang (35), an office worker, said, "On my commute, I walk, use public transportation, transfer, and then go outdoors again, so it's annoying to keep putting masks on and taking them off according to indoor and outdoor settings," adding, "Since I've worn masks for a long time and am used to it, I just wear them continuously."

Meanwhile, according to the CDSCH, as of midnight on the 28th, the daily new COVID-19 cases were 36,159, continuing a clear downward trend. The number of confirmed cases decreased by 3,266 from the previous day (39,425). Compared to a week ago (the 21st, 41,269 cases), it dropped by 5,110. Lee Ki-il, the first chief coordinator of the CDSCH (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at the CDSCH meeting that day, "Today's confirmed cases are clearly decreasing to the 36,000 range," adding, "As the outbreak subsides, we will gradually adjust the designated COVID-19 hospital beds."