<중대본> "Measures to Adjust Mandatory Mask Wearing Until the End of This Month"

Confirmed cases on the 7th reach highest in 12 weeks as of Wednesday
Adjustment direction discussed at Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 9th
Measures to be prepared through forum and expert advisory meetings

On the 11th, passengers are wearing masks at the restaurant area of the Gimpo Airport Domestic Terminal in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The government will finalize adjustment measures related to the indoor mask-wearing mandate by the end of this month.

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the 7th, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min stated, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the 9th will discuss the direction for adjusting the indoor mask-wearing mandate," adding, "We will hold a public forum on the 15th and expert advisory meetings to finalize the adjustment measures by the end of this month."

The government announced earlier last month that it would ease the indoor mask-wearing mandate after the peak of the winter resurgence.

Minister Lee said, "Just as major quarantine measures such as social distancing have been implemented through consultations at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, it is desirable that the easing of the indoor mask-wearing mandate is also decided through discussions with the Headquarters."

However, uncertainties related to the increase in confirmed cases still exist. As of the 6th, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was 77,704, the highest since the 7th resurgence. Jeong Gi-seok, head of the COVID-19 Special Response Team, also projected that the mask-wearing mandate could be lifted by the end of January next year.

Minister Lee explained, "The six-week upward trend reversed to a slight decrease last week, and the number of new critically ill patients and deaths slightly decreased compared to the previous week," but added, "The infection reproduction number has remained above 1 for seven consecutive weeks, and today's number of new confirmed cases reached the highest in 12 weeks for a Wednesday, so uncertainties remain high."

Minister Lee emphasized, "Since this winter is expected to be the last hurdle of the resurgence, maintaining a unified quarantine system nationwide is more important than ever," and requested, "Although there is a high risk of infection spread due to increased indoor activities in winter, the mask's effectiveness in preventing transmission has been confirmed by various studies, so we ask for the understanding and cooperation of the public and local governments."

As the Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union's collective transport refusal prolongs, losses in major industrial sectors have increased to approximately 3.5 trillion won.

Minister Lee said, "Steel shipments are about 50% of usual levels, and gas stations in the metropolitan area, Chungcheong, and Gangwon regions have run out of stock, but the spread is slowing," adding, "Exports in the petrochemical sector are only about 5% of normal volume."

In the cement sector, since the issuance of the work commencement order, as of the 6th, 19 out of 33 transport companies and 492 out of 824 truck owners have resumed transport, and 48 truck owners have expressed their intention to return.

Minister Lee stated, "Cement shipments have recovered to about 90% of usual levels, but delays at construction sites are inevitable," and added, "If truck owners who have suffered damage due to not participating in the collective transport refusal report, the government will take immediate action and also provide personal protection."