"Indoor Mask Removal to Be Decided by Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Not Local Governments Alone"

Daejeon City States, "Will Lift Restrictions from January Next Year"... Health Authorities Emphasize "Importance of a Unified Quarantine Network"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] When Daejeon City announced that it would push to lift the indoor mask-wearing mandate on its own as early as January next year, the government effectively put the brakes on the move, stating that it would implement the decision through the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH).

On the 2nd, the quarantine authorities explained, "The lifting of the indoor mask-wearing mandate will be implemented through a CDSCH decision in accordance with the procedures for enforcing quarantine measures so far," adding, "Since operating a unified quarantine network is important, we will closely cooperate with Daejeon City to include the plan in the measures."

It is known that Daejeon City recently sent an official letter to the CDSCH stating, "If the government does not lift the indoor mask-wearing mandate by the 15th, we will issue our own administrative order and implement it."

The reasons for pushing to lift the indoor mask mandate include the fact that most people already remove masks in places like restaurants and cafes, reducing effectiveness, and that it does not help children's emotional and language development. This is the first time a local government has officially expressed a stance different from the government regarding the mask-wearing mandate.

Currently, the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act stipulates that, in addition to the Minister of Health and Welfare and the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, local government heads such as mayors and governors can also take infectious disease prevention measures.

However, COVID-19 quarantine measures have so far been implemented through discussions and consultations at the CDSCH level, which includes related ministries and 17 metropolitan cities and provinces. The quarantine authorities explained that while local government heads can decide on strengthened quarantine measures beyond CDSCH decisions, they must consult with the CDSCH in advance if they wish to ease quarantine measures.

A CDSCH official said, "The indoor mask-wearing mandate was announced to have its easing timing decided after evaluating the situation following the peak of the winter epidemic and through expert discussions," adding, "We plan to specify the timing for easing the indoor mask mandate through continuous monitoring of the winter epidemic situation, public expert forums, and advisory committee discussions."