[Report] What Do Jongno Citizens Think About 'Masks'? "Is COVID Over?"

3 Years of COVID-19 Mask Wearing... Government Considers Voluntary Use
Citizens Met in Jongno Say "Everyone Will Keep Wearing Them"

As the government is reportedly considering shifting the indoor mask mandate to a voluntary basis, pharmacists met on the afternoon of the 8th at the pharmacy street in Jongno, Seoul, predicted that citizens will continue to wear masks even after the recommendation becomes voluntary. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Is COVID completely over? We should wear masks no matter what."

As the government is reportedly considering making indoor mask-wearing voluntary, citizens met around the pharmacy street in Jongno, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 8th said, "Even if mask-wearing becomes voluntary, we will all wear them."

Mr. Kim, in his early 60s, whom we met near the pharmacy that day, asked, "When mask-wearing outside became voluntary, did everyone take them off?" and emphasized, "It's the same for indoor masks." Office worker Kim In-sik (34) also said, "COVID isn't over yet, is it?" and added, "There is also the risk of the flu, so I plan to wear a mask without fail."

Meanwhile, there was a citizen who said that since he works outdoors rather than indoors, wearing a mask is essential. Mr. Park (54), who organizes a store warehouse, said, "Because of my work, I have to carry loads and keep going outside to the store. In that case, I must wear a mask." He added, "Not only me, but people who work outside like me will surely wear masks."

There were also concerns that voluntary mask-wearing might lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases. A male small business owner in his 40s, who identified himself as a salesperson, said, "COVID caused many disruptions to work, and above all, if I got infected, it would cause a big problem at work, so I always wore a mask." He continued, "It seems mask-wearing will change from mandatory to voluntary, but honestly, I am a bit worried that new COVID cases might emerge and disrupt work again."

On the 11th, travelers wearing masks are moving inside the domestic terminal of Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The mandatory indoor and outdoor mask-wearing policy has been in place since November 3, 2020. Prior to that, from January 2020, when COVID-19 began spreading domestically, mask demand exploded. At one point, some were caught selling uncertified masks disguised as KF94 masks, and the term "mask open run" even emerged.

At that time, most pharmacies were overwhelmed dealing with customers coming to buy masks, leading pharmacists to lament, "It was so hard." However, as supply and demand stabilized, and after three years of wearing masks, what was once awkward has become routine. Pharmacist Park (in his 50s) said, when asked if wearing a mask while working was difficult, "It was not difficult at all," adding, "Wasn't it the public who suffered?" He further said, "Even if indoor mask-wearing becomes voluntary, I think the public will continue to wear masks properly."

Another pharmacist in his 60s said, "Masks have now become essential items, and since flu occurs in winter, even if it's voluntary, people all wear masks." He added, "Although COVID was tough, now that everyone wears masks, it seems to provide a lot of prevention for their health."

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

Earlier, the government announced that indoor mask-wearing would shift from mandatory to recommended and voluntary, but the mandate would remain for facilities used by high-risk groups. This includes nursing homes used by the elderly, hospitals, and public transportation. Outdoor mask-wearing has been recommended rather than mandatory since September 26. However, high-risk groups such as the elderly and close contacts of high-risk individuals are strongly advised to wear masks.

On the 9th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) stated, "Going forward, indoor mask-wearing will be shifted to recommended and voluntary, but the mandate will be maintained for essential facilities heavily used by high-risk groups."

Gwon Byung-gi, head of the CDCH's quarantine support team, explained, "Looking at major overseas countries, indoor mask-wearing is mandatory in medical and social welfare facilities, and some also mandate it on public transportation. We are closely observing these cases." Regarding which facilities will maintain the indoor mask mandate, he said, "It will be decided through expert discussions."

The government plans to announce a roadmap related to lifting the indoor mask mandate within this year after review by the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee scheduled for the 15th and 26th. The timing of lifting the mandate will be determined by considering factors such as the number of new cases, trends in severe cases and deaths, and quarantine response capacity. However, no specific indicators will be set; decisions will be made based on a comprehensive assessment of the epidemic situation.