"Deciding to Remove Masks"?... Rapidly Accelerating Discussions on 'Indoor Mask Removal'

Following Daejeon City's announcement to lift the indoor mask-wearing mandate, discussions on lifting the mask mandate are expected to proceed at the central government level as well. The photo shows citizens wearing masks at a large bookstore in Seoul on the afternoon of the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The government has decided to determine whether to lift the mask-wearing mandate by the end of this month. Recently, some local governments such as Daejeon City and Chungnam Province announced their intention to independently lift the mask-wearing mandate, igniting discussions. Although health authorities have taken a cautious stance on lifting the mask mandate, voices within the ruling party supporting the local governments' decisions have emerged, accelerating related discussions.

'Indoor Mask Mandate Lift' Initiated by Daejeon and Chungnam... Government to Finalize Adjustment Plan Within This Month

On the 6th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated at a press briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, "At first, many experts thought the lifting date would be around March next year, but if indicators improve, it might be possible to do it a little earlier," adding that the indoor mask mandate could be lifted as early as the end of January next year.

Prime Minister Han also mentioned that he had already instructed relevant government departments to review the lifting of indoor mask-wearing at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting in September this year. He explained, "I want to remove masks as soon as conditions allow, but experts suggest at least waiting until after the winter wave."

The government plans to prepare a plan to lift the indoor mask-wearing mandate within this year after consulting experts soon. Lee Sang-min, the 2nd Deputy Head of the CDSCH (Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), stated at the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul on the 7th, "At the next CDSCH meeting on the 9th, we will discuss the direction of adjusting the mask-wearing mandate, followed by a public forum on the 15th and expert advisory meetings."

Lee also emphasized, "Since winter is expected to be the last critical phase of the resurgence, it is more important than ever to maintain a unified quarantine system nationwide," adding, "Just as major quarantine measures such as social distancing have been implemented through CDSCH consultations, it is desirable that the easing of the indoor mask-wearing mandate be decided through discussions with the CDSCH." This is interpreted as emphasizing that quarantine policies should not be decided independently by local governments but through discussions with the central government.

Earlier, Daejeon City and Chungcheongnam-do announced their intention to lift the indoor mask-wearing mandate ahead of the government, sparking controversy. The government had shown a cautious stance on lifting the mask mandate, and this was the first time a local government officially expressed a differing opinion. This led to a conflict between the central and local governments over quarantine policy and command authority. However, the controversy seems to have been settled as the government announced it would review easing measures in line with local government opinions.

Experts: "It's Time for Discussion, but Measures Must Be in Place for Patient Increase"

Although the government has reached a consensus to first ease the indoor mask mandate, experts are not entirely optimistic. Eom Jung-gil, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said, "I doubt whether the current medical response system can handle situations that may arise after masks are removed," adding, "There is a risk of a larger outbreak, which could be fatal for high-risk groups. Severe cases will naturally increase." He continued, "We need to review whether preparations for the increased patients are possible and make a cautious decision. Otherwise, lifting the indoor mask mandate inevitably carries several risks."

Jung Jae-hoon, a member of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, also said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "(Easing the mask mandate) is a sufficiently discussable point," but pointed out, "When adjustments are made, supplementary measures are always necessary. Even if lifted, there should be time to prepare measures like 'it is better to wear masks in certain places,' but there was no time for social consensus." However, Jung emphasized, "The prerequisites for easing quarantine policies seem almost satisfied. What remains is social consensus," adding, "It is necessary to prepare two parts: which facilities will retain the mask-wearing mandate and what supplementary measures will be in place if the mandate is lifted."